FRANK AND ANDY AT BOARDING SCHOOL

OR

RIVALS FOR MANY HONORS

BY VANCE BARNUM

AUTHOR OF "FRANK AND ANDY AFLOAT,"
"FRANK AND ANDY IN A WINTER CAMP,"
"THE JOE STRONG SERIES."

WHITMAN PUBLISHING CO.
RACINE, WISCONSIN

CONTENTS

FRANK AND ANDY AT BOARDING SCHOOL

CHAPTER I

IN TROUBLE

"We ought to be there pretty soon now; eh Frank?"

"Yes; the captain said it wasn't a very long trip, and we've been on this boat quite a while."

"I wonder what Riverview Hall looks like—what sort of a school it is?" and Andy Racer glanced at his older brother as they paced the deck of a river steamer that was plowing its way up a pleasant stream.

"I don't know, Andy," and Frank Racer seemed a bit puzzled. "It must be a good school, or dad and mother wouldn't have picked it out for us."

"Yet neither one of them saw the place before they decided on it," objected Andy with a smile on his pleasant face.

"Except that mother knew Dr. Wesley Doolittle, the principal, and she thought we needed to go to some quiet place, after the lively times we had this summer."

"Smoked lobsters!" exclaimed Andy. "I hope it's not too quiet. I want to have some fun when I go off to boarding school. Say, Frank, see that man sleeping over there by the smokestack?" and the lad motioned in the direction.

"Yes, I see him. What of it?"

"I've got one of those rubber spiders in my pocket. You know, the kind that you dangle on a string. I'll sneak up behind him, and hold it over his head. Then you make a loud noise and he'll wake up. He'll have a fit when he sees a big bug about to fall on him. Come ahead," and Andy, who was always on the alert for fun or a joke, started toward the man.

"No, you don't!" exclaimed Frank quickly. "I've gotten into enough trouble with you and your jokes since we started from New York. You wait until you get to school before you try any more funny business. Have you forgotten how the lobster you wanted to nip Chet Sedley nipped you?"

"Wow! I should say not. But this trip is getting slow. I wish something would happen. Come on, let's go on the upper deck where we can see better. We may sight Riverview Hall."

"Oh, we'll see enough of that before we get through with it. But, Andy, I'm as anxious as you are to know what kind of a place it is, and I won't be sorry when we locate it. Come on; walking about is more fun than standing still."

The two boys, Frank Racer, aged about fifteen and his brother Andy, a year younger, who were on their way to boarding school for the first time in their lives, walked away together.

They had left their home in New York city early that morning, and after traveling some distance by train had boarded the steamer that was to take them to Riverview Hall, an institution of learning located on Halcyon river in the western part of New York state.

The boat was making fair time up the stream, which was a good sized one, and quite broad. As the craft made a turn, giving a good view for some distance up the river, Andy, who had taken a position well forward, on the upper deck, uttered a cry.

"See, Frank!" he exclaimed, catching his brother by the arm. "There's some sort of an academy or college, right on that point of land about a mile up. That's a dandy location. And say, it's a big school, too. There'd be lots of chance to have fun on the water there. I'll bet they have rowing races. Crackey! we'll have some sport!" and Andy began capering about on the deck.

Frank looked interested and gazed at the big, and evidently new college, or school, which they were rapidly approaching.

"If that's Riverview Hall," he said, "it's all right, and a better place than I expected. That doesn't look like a nice, quiet school though, such as mother thought she was picking out. But I'm going to ask some one."

"Oh, that's Riverview all right," Andy insisted. But Frank had turned aside, and was speaking to a gentleman who had approached the lads.

"Can you tell me, sir," asked the older lad, "if that is Riverview Hall? We expect to attend school there."

The gentleman looked to where Frank pointed.

"That," he replied with a smile, "is Waterside Hall. It is one of the best schools in this part of the country. It is not so very old, but there are more students than it can accommodate. It's a fine place. I have a boy going there," and he seemed very proud of the fact.

For a moment Andy and Frank were a little bit too disappointed to speak. Then Andy asked:

"Isn't Riverview Hall somewhere about here?"

"Oh, yes, about five miles farther up the river."

"Is that anything like—I mean what sort of a place is it?" and Frank anxiously waited for the reply.

The gentleman looked critically at the two lads.

"Riverview Hall," he said slowly, "well, it was a good school once, but now—" he paused and shrugged his shoulders. "It's old and out of date," he went on. "In fact it is fast losing what little prestige it had. It isn't to be compared with Waterside Hall. Now that is a school to be proud of!" and he waved his hand toward the group of buildings, surrounded by a green campus that came to the river's edge. The boat was just opposite it now.

"But Riverview Hall," the man added, "I wouldn't let a son of mine go there, and I wouldn't advise any one to go who wanted to be at a real, live, up-to-date school," and then, evidently forgetting that our heroes had remarked that they expected to attend Riverview Hall, the gentleman turned aside, unconscious of having said anything to cause the lads uneasiness.

Andy and Frank continued to gaze regretfully at the big new school they were passing. They could see groups of students—early term arrivals—running about, while another group of lads were just putting into the water a fine eight-oared shell.

"Did you hear what he said, Frank?" asked Andy in a low voice.

"Sure. I couldn't very well help it."

"Riverview Hall old and out-of-date," murmured Andy slowly.

"He wouldn't let a son of his go there," added Frank.

"And we're going as fast as the boat can take us," went on his younger brother with something like a groan. "Say, we're in for it now, for keeps! And see what we're missing." He waved his hand toward Waterside, which they were now leaving behind. "Why didn't dad and mother pick out that place for us?" he asked.

"Give it up," replied Frank. "It's too late now."

Almost despondent over the reputation that had been so unexpectedly given their prospective school, and yet hoping against hope that it might not turn out as badly as they expected, the lads went to a lower deck.

"Maybe that man didn't know what he was talking about," suggested Andy, when they had reached a quiet corner, just outside one of the small cabins.

"I'm afraid he did," said Frank. "He said he had a son going to Waterside, so he must live around here and he's probably acquainted. Well, we've got to make the best of it. I guess—"

But Frank did not finish what he was going to say. His words were interrupted by hearing a voice, evidently raised in anger, as this exclamation was audible:

"Well, I'll tell you one thing, Miss! That money has got to be paid, and that's all there is about it! If your mother can't pay it, then I look to you. I want my rights!" and there came a sound of a fist being banged down most emphatically on woodwork.

"Oh, sir! Can't you wait a little longer? You know we would pay you if we could. But we can't raise any cash on those securities, as we expected, or we—"

"That will do now, young lady. I've listened to enough excuses. I want my money, and if I don't get it I'll take means that you and your mother won't like. Do you hear me?"

Once more the fist was banged down. It was followed by a sound indicating unmistakably that a girl was sobbing. Andy and Frank looked at each other. Then they gazed in through the cabin door, near which they were standing, and saw a very pretty girl, about fourteen years of age, confronted by a tall, grizzled man, wearing a rusty black suit and a black string tie fastened around an old-fashioned collar. The man's countenance was in keeping with his clothes. He was smooth shaven, but his face was full of wrinkles. There were hard lines about his mouth, the corners of which were drawn down, while his eyes, which peered out from behind large spectacles, had shaggy, overhanging brows.

"Nice looking chap—not," murmured Andy.

"Hush!" whispered Frank. "Come away, it's none of our affair."

But, before they could move, the girl burst into such a fit of crying that the sympathies of both lads were aroused. The man and the girl were the only occupants of the cabin, and there was no one else near on the outside deck save Andy and Frank. The girl continued to sob pitifully, her face covered with her hands.

The man took her roughly by the arm. The girl raised her tear-stained face and indignantly pulled herself away. The man took a step toward her and the girl's face grew white with fear. She seemed about to scream.

"I can't stand this!" murmured Frank to Andy. "I'm going to help her in her trouble, whether it's our business or not."

"And I'm with you!" exclaimed Andy.

Frank stepped into the little cabin. The two occupants of it were too excited to notice him for a moment. Then the Racer lad said:

"Excuse me, Miss, but I see you are in trouble. Can I help you in any way? My brother and I would be very glad to. Is there anything we can do?"

The girl looked at the two lads gratefully, though in some surprise. There was a look of anger on the face of the crabbed man.

"I—I thank you very much," said the girl in a low voice. "I think that Mr. Callum forgot himself for a moment. He will not be guilty of such conduct again." She looked at him fearlessly. "It is very kind of you," she went on, addressing the lads, "but there is nothing you can do, thank you so much, though." She smiled through her tears; smiled at Frank, so Andy said afterward. "Mr. Callum will not annoy me again."

This seemed to be too much for the crabbed old man.

"Look here!" he cried in anger, addressing Frank and Andy. "What right have you got to interfere with me? This is none of your business."

"It's the business of every gentleman when a lady is in distress to try to help her," replied Frank quickly.

"Well, you mind your own affairs and let mine alone!" snarled the man. "I can attend to my own business. I'll settle matters with this young lady and perhaps in a manner she doesn't like. As for you young fellows, take my advice and don't interfere with me. I won't stand it! I tell you I won't stand it!"

He smote the palm of one hand with the fist of the other and fairly glared at the boys. Frank returned his gaze fearlessly.

"Now you mind that!" went on the man. "I don't want you interfering in my affairs, or you'll wish you hadn't. As for you, Miss Morton—I'll see you or your mother again," and with that the unpleasant personage turned on his heel and strode out of the cabin door, casting a look full of meanness at our heroes.

The girl and the two boys stood facing each other in the little cabin.

"It was very kind of you," she murmured, looking at Frank, and blushing slightly.

"Are you sure there is nothing we can do to help you?" eagerly asked the elder Racer lad. The girl was fast recovering her composure, and the traces of tears were vanishing.

"No, thank you," she said gently. "It's just some trouble about money matters that I hope will soon be straightened out. I did not know he was aboard or I would not have come by this boat."

"Well, if there is anything we can do, please let us know," went on the elder lad. "My name is Frank Racer, and this is my brother Andy."

"I am Miss Gertrude Morton, of Dailsburg," said the girl as she shook hands with the boys. "I can't thank you enough for what you did. I don't suppose he meant any real harm, but he frightened me."

"The brute!" murmured Frank, clenching his fists as he looked at Miss Gertrude's pretty face.

"Do you boys live around here?" she asked, after a pause. "I live just a few miles up the river, not far from Riverview Hall."

"Is that so?" exclaimed Frank—very eagerly Andy thought. "We are going to school there. We're on our way now."

The girl looked very much surprised.

"By the way, who was that man who spoke so harshly?" asked Andy.

"Why, don't you know him?" inquired Miss Morton. "If you—but you say you are just going to Riverview Hall. Then you will soon make his acquaintance, for he is Professor Thorndyke Callum, the head assistant at Riverview."

For a moment amazement held Frank and Andy dumb. Then the older lad exclaimed:

"Great Scott! Head assistant at Riverview! What are we up against? He'll have it in for us after what we did."

The girl looked half alarmed and half amused as she bowed to the boys and left the cabin. Andy and Frank stood staring at one another.

"We sure are up against it!" murmured the younger lad at length. "A punk school to start with, and in bad with the head professor from the very beginning! Wow! Wow! What are we going to do, Frank?"

CHAPTER II

THE WRECK OF THE BED

Andy's question was not answered immediately. He and Frank were busily engaged in thinking. The scene through which they had just passed with Professor Callum and Miss Gertrude Morton, and the surprising announcement of the man who had told them about Riverview Hall gave them plenty about which to reflect.

And I shall have no better opportunity than this of telling you a little more about the two lads, for they are seldom quiet long enough at a time to enable one to get an idea of their characters. They are always on the go, Andy especially, for he never misses a chance to have some fun or play a joke.

Frank and Andy Racer were fine fellows. They were the sons of Mr. Richard Racer, and his wife, Olivia. Mr. Racer was a wholesale silk merchant, in business in New York, where his winter home was located. His summer residence was at Harbor View, a coast resort about thirty miles from the metropolis.

There, as told in the first volume of this series, entitled "Frank and Andy Afloat" the boys had many adventures. They were out rowing one day when a whale attacked them. Andy's boat was hit, but his brother saved him. Later they went for a sail, and discovered a wrecked motor boat, containing an injured lad.

They saved him, but the lad had passed through such danger that he lost his memory and did not know who he was. The boys gave themselves up to solving the mystery of his identity and to learn the secret of the motor craft.

How they succeeded, how they were in danger from the man who sought to injure Paul, which they learned was the name of the mysterious lad, how they foiled the schemes of the villain and how, after being cast away on a desolate island they were finally rescued—all this you will find set down in the first book.

The Racer boys were so active, and ran into so much danger, though with the best intentions in the world, that their parents did not know what to do with them. After a consultation Mr. and Mrs. Racer decided to send the lads to a boarding school, hoping this would tame their lively spirits.

For this purpose Mrs. Racer selected Riverview Hall. She had never seen the place, but she had heard of Dr. Wesley Doolittle, the head of the school, who had a fine reputation as a scholar, whatever were his shortcomings as a financial manager. One of Mrs. Racer's clubwomen friends had sent her son to the school some years before, when the lad had decided to enter the ministry, and this lady spoke so highly of the classical atmosphere at Riverview that Mrs. Racer thought it would be just the place for Andy and Frank.

"They will quiet down," she told her husband. "It will be the very thing for them."

"It may be too quiet," objected the silk merchant. "You know boys have to have some fun and—er—excitement."

"Excitement! I should say they had enough in getting that horrid whale ashore. But I've no doubt that Andy and Frank will have a good time at Riverview Hall. They can make amusements for themselves."

"Yes, I guess they can," answered Mr. Racer with the trace of a smile.

So it had come about that, on their return to their New York home, preparations were made to send our heroes to boarding school. Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Racer had time to visit the place of learning, the arrangements being concluded by letters. There was no question about the reputation of the school as far as learning was concerned. The boys would also be assured of proper care and good food. That was as far as the parents went.

Now we shall see what sort of a place it was to which Frank and Andy Racer were consigned.

"Couldn't be much worse; could it?" asked Andy after a pause.

"It sounds pretty dubious," admitted Frank, with a shake of his head.

They hurried out of the cabin, where they had remained after Miss Gertrude Morton had left them. They found the steamer approaching a wharf at a small town. There was no sign of a school.

"Good-bye!" a voice called to them, and they looked to see the pretty girl going ashore.

"This must be Dailsburg—where she lives," said Frank.

"Yes, this is Dailsburg," spoke a gentleman standing near them. "Riverview is the next stop."

They thanked him, and waved to Miss Gertrude. She was the only passenger to go ashore and the steamer was soon on its way again. The boys saw nothing of Mr. Callum.

"We'd better get our baggage together, if the next stop is ours," suggested Frank to his brother. Then he and Andy became busy. They were on deck as the boat approached the dock of Riverview, a town of considerable size. Eagerly they looked about for a sign of the school.

"I wonder where it can be?" asked Frank. "Gee whizz! I hope it isn't back in the woods. I was thinking it might be on the river shore, so we could go boating."

"Same here," put in Andy. "Let's ask some one."

From a deckhand they learned that their boarding school was about a quarter of a mile from the pier where the steamer had stopped.

"And is it on the river?" asked Andy.

"Yes, right on the shore," replied the deckhand. "You just keep along the water road and you'll come to it."

"Good!" cried Frank. "Then we can have some rowing races. I hope they have a good crew at Riverview."

The deckhand looked at the lads; and a smile came over his tanned face. He seemed about to say something, but was called away. The boys quickly made arrangements about having their trunks put off, and then, each carrying a suit case, they walked down the gangplank. They had a glimpse of Professor Callum gathering his baggage together ready to go ashore.

"Well, we're here," said Frank, as they started off up the river road, as directed. It ran close to the water's edge, and was a fine highway. Halcyon river, in fact, was an important stream, and was beautiful, for it had not been polluted by factory waste or refuse.

"Yes, we're here," admitted Andy, and he seemed down-hearted. "I wonder what sort of a place it is. Funny there is no carriage to take us."

In silence they tramped on. Each step they took nearer to the school appeared to make them more gloomy, though they could not tell why. The place seemed very silent and deserted for the vicinity of a boarding school attended by up-to-date boys. There were no lively groups of students to be seen, and the river was deserted of rowing craft from the institution.

As they made a turn of the road, Riverview Hall came into their line of vision. The school buildings were situated on a large hill, which gave a fine view of the water. All about the structures were extensive grounds, extending down to the edge of the stream.

"There she is!" exclaimed Frank, coming to a halt.

"Yes, it's a big enough place," admitted Andy, "but—"

He did not finish. He saw, as did his brother, that there was something the matter. The buildings though substantially built seemed greatly in need of attention. There was an air about them as if they were neglected and were destined to go to ruin.

The campus was littered with paper and the grass had not been cut in some time. There was an air of desolation about the place. Now that they were near enough the brothers could make out groups of students strolling about, but there seemed to be no life in them. They were not playing ball, running, leaping or doing any of the things dear to boyish hearts.

"Say, what's the matter with this place, anyhow?" suddenly asked Andy. "Is it hoodooed?"

"Give it up," answered Frank. "Come on, I see a boathouse. Maybe it isn't so bad after all. We can join the crew."

Their hearts fell at the sight of the boathouse. The roof needed shingling, and the structure would have been much improved by a coat of paint. Then, as they moved around to the other side of it they saw a big hole in the roof.

"Say, that will leak like a sieve," remarked Andy.

"Yes, and I don't see any boats," added Frank gloomily.

The two boys strolled down to the water's edge.

"Here are some barges," called Frank. "But great Scott! Look at 'em! It would be as much as your life was worth to go out in 'em. They'd sink in ten minutes. Oh, this is fierce!"

Despondently, and more and more impressed with the desolation of the place, the Racer boys walked on toward the main group of school buildings.

"There's a fine diamond—if it was put in shape," said Frank, motioning toward the ball field.

"Yes, but look at it!" exclaimed his brother. "It's all overgrown with grass, and you can't tell third base from home plate. It hasn't been used at all lately. What's the matter with the fellows here, I wonder?"

Frank shook his head. He did not know what to say.

There was a murmur of voices on the other side of a neglected hedge, much in want of trimming, which bordered a walk that led up to the main building. As Andy and Frank entered the opening in the natural fence they came face to face with a group of lads, evidently students. Frank addressed them.

"Is this Riverview Hall?" he asked, hoping he might be mistaken.

"Yes—this is the place—what's left of it," replied a tall lad, in the centre of the group. He spoke listlessly.

"We're newcomers," added Andy. "We've just come, but—er—that is—"

He stopped in some confusion.

"It seems as if there was something the matter with the place," broke in Frank. "What's the trouble? Has the school been closed suddenly for some reason?" He almost hoped it had.

"Oh, no, school's going on," replied another lad, indifferently chewing on a blade of grass. "The term has just opened. But it's this way always—no fun here. I wish I didn't have to come, but dad thinks it's all right."

"Why—what is the matter?" insisted the elder Racer lad.

"Oh, you'll find out soon enough, if you stay," was the significant answer. "Won't he, fellows?"

"Sure!" came in a chorus, but even that was given with no enthusiasm.

"Well, I guess we've got to stay," said Frank. "Can you tell us where to find Dr. Doolittle?"

"Here he comes now," answered one lad, motioning to the somewhat bent figure of an elderly gentleman approaching. He had one book under his arm, and was reading another as he walked along. Andy and Frank were struck by a peculiar pathos about the head of the school. He looked to be a fine scholar, but there seemed to be something worrying him. They were sure of this a little later as they approached closer to speak to him. Dr. Doolittle appeared to be struggling with some difficult, problem that he had tried in vain to solve for a long time.

He caught sight of our heroes, and a kindly smile came over his face.

"We are the Racer boys, Dr. Doolittle," said Frank, "and we—"

"Oh, yes, glad to see you back," said the doctor kindly. "You did very well last term. I suppose you are ready to resume your studies and—"

"We weren't here last term," interrupted Frank. "We have just come, and we'd like to know where our rooms are."

"Oh, yes! To be sure! I remember now. Your father wrote me about you. Hum! Yes. I hope you will like it here. We think we have a very fine school."

"You've got another think coming," whispered Andy.

"Well, I am glad to have met you," went on the principal. "I shall see you again. Very glad, hum!" He opened his book, and was about to pass on.

"But about our rooms," insisted Frank gently. "We don't know where to go."

"Why, take the same rooms you had last year," said Dr. Doolittle, in evident surprise at the question. "Yes, the same rooms. Hum!"

Once more he was about to turn away.

"But we weren't here last year!" exclaimed Andy.

"Oh, no. You're right. So you weren't. I remember now. I knew there was something about you that I was trying to recall. Well, just go up to the main dormitory, and report to the housekeeper, Mrs. Stone. She will assign you to rooms. I am very glad to have met you. Hum! Yes! I hope you will like it here. We have a very fine school," and this time the doctor succeeded in getting away. He was deep in his book once more.

"I think he must be a bit absent-minded," said Frank.

"You think it!" exclaimed Andy. "I know it. He's a nice old man all right, but—a 'fine school'! Wow! This is the limit, and there may be worse to come. Let's go see Mrs. Stone. I hope she's not as hard as her name. But I don't know as there's any hurry. There doesn't appear to be any great rush for the sleeping quarters."

There were several groups of students in view now, but none of them seemed to be in any hurry. In fact there was a listlessness about the whole school that boded no good.

"Well, come on, anyhow," suggested Frank. "We want to get settled and then look about. I hope they have plenty for supper. I'm half starved."

"Same here. Gee! But this is a lonesome place!"

"Maybe they're not all here yet," put in his brother.

"Let us hope so. This looks like the main dormitory. Let's go in."

They found Mrs. Stone a pleasant faced matron, who welcomed them kindly and made them feel at home.

"Let me see!" she exclaimed in a thoughtful manner. "I don't know just where to put you yet. The rooms have not all been assigned. I have tried to talk to Dr. Doolittle about it, but every time I approach him he seems to be thinking of something else. But I know what I can do. I'll give you a temporary room for to-night, and to-morrow we'll settle the matter. Come this way."

She led them up a flight of stairs and down a long corridor. Frank and Andy noted that however neglected the outside of the place was, the interior was clean and neat, though it was badly in need of repairs. Evidently Mrs. Stone was an energetic housekeeper, doing the best she could under the circumstances.

"There, this will have to do for the present," she said, as she threw open the door of a room. "Perhaps I can find a better apartment for you to-morrow. Supper is served at six o'clock. The warning bell rings a quarter of an hour before that. All the boys dine together in the main hall. You will sit at the freshman table."

"How will we know which it is?" asked Andy.

"Oh, some of the students will show you. Now I must leave you. I think you will find all that you need. If not, let me know."

The boys gazed at each other, and then around the room. It was not a very inviting place. The wall paper was old and dingy, but it seemed clean. There were no ornaments in the apartment, and the beds, of which there were two, were old, as were the washstands and bureaus.

"Well, I guess we can stand it, but it's going to be quite a struggle," said Frank with a sigh.

"Dad and mother never knew what sort of a place this is or they'd never have sent us here," was Andy's opinion. "It may be all right for Greek, Latin and mathematics, but a fellow can't live on them. It's going to be punk here for fun, I'm afraid."

Frank crossed over and looked out of the window. He heard a movement from his brother.

"Gee whizz! I've got to do something or bust!" cried the younger lad. "Here goes for a handspring on the bed! Wow!"

He gave a little run and a jump. Then he landed in the middle of the bed on his hands.

Down into the mattress he sank with his feet wiggling in the air. Then there came a mighty crash. The bed collapsed under the weight and sudden impact of the sturdy youth, and a moment later he came to the floor amid a confusion of pillows, sheets, springs, mattress and the wrecked bed, while the racket echoed and re-echoed throughout the corridor of the dormitory.

CHAPTER III

"I'LL STICK IT OUT!"

"Are you hurt, Andy? How did it happen?" cried Frank, turning from the window and hurrying to the wreck of the bed, in which his brother was still entangled.

"No, I'm not hurt; of course not. How could a fellow get hurt falling in a soft bed?"

"But what happened?" asked Frank.

"Great Scott! How do I know? I just gave a spring on here, and—"

"Your spring was too much for the bed spring, I suppose," remarked Frank, laughing when he saw that Andy was all right. "Here, give me your hand, and I'll pull you out."

With his brother's help the younger lad was soon on his feet again. Ruefully he surveyed the tangle of bed and bed clothes.

"Say, this is like a lot of other things around this school," remarked Andy. "It's got the dry rot. I never thought a bed wouldn't stand at least one handspring. Why the side pieces have cracked right in the middle." He bent over to look at the wrecked bed, which was one of the old-fashioned, wooden kind.

"You sure have put it out of commission," said Frank. "And what a racket you made! They must have heard it out on the campus. It's a wonder Mrs. Stone hasn't come up to know if we're trying to tear down the dormitory."

"Well, I didn't mean to do it," returned Andy, which was his usual excuse when any of his jokes or tricks went wrong. "I was just trying to see—"

He was interrupted by hearing some one hurrying along the corridor. Then came an imperative knock at their door.

"Who is in there?" demanded a sharp voice.

"We—we are," answered Andy, while he helped Frank to pick up the scattered clothes.

The portal swung open, disclosing to the lads the form and features of Professor Thorndyke Callum. There was a stern look on his face, and he fairly glared at them through his big glasses.

"What does this mean?" he asked. "I return to my duties at this school, and I am in my room, getting ready to take charge of my classes when I am disturbed by a disgraceful noise under me. What does it mean? How did it happen? Did you come here to repair the beds of the institution?"

"No sir, we are students here," explained Frank. "We have just arrived. My brother was trying the bed, and—"

"It broke!" interrupted Andy with just the trace of a smile on his mischievous face. "I—I guess I must have come down on it too hard."

"What! You students here? It's a disgrace!" burst out the professor. "I shall at once report you to Dr. Doolittle, and he—"

By this time Mr. Callum had advanced farther into the room. Frank and Andy had been standing with their backs to the light so that their faces were in a shadow. Now the professor could see them plainly. He stopped suddenly on recognizing in them the lads who had interfered with him on the boat. His face at once became more stern and forbidding.

"You boys students here?" he exclaimed as if not believing it.

"Yes—yes, sir," answered Andy ruefully.

"And aren't you the same lads who so unwarrantedly meddled with what did not concern you between myself and Miss Morton this afternoon?"

"Yes, but we didn't think—" began Frank.

"Silence! That is enough!" burst out the crabbed man. "You can not turn Riverview Hall into an institution such as are some of the disgraceful colleges. Such conduct will not be tolerated here! I repeat, young men, such conduct will meet with the severest punishment here! I have no doubt but that some silly prank was responsible for this. I shall report you to Dr. Doolittle. And so you are students here! Humph! We shall see!" and with a significant look on his face the unpleasant professor withdrew.

"Well, if that isn't the limit!" exclaimed Frank.

"Worse and more of it," agreed Andy. "I wonder where I am going to sleep to-night?"

His question was answered a moment later by the entrance of Mrs. Stone, the housekeeper. She threw up her hands when, on looking in through the open door, she saw the wrecked bed.

"Oh, I've been afraid something like this would happen!" she exclaimed. "None of the beds are strong enough for two big boys to sit on at once."

"But we didn't do that," explained Andy. "I—I er—sort of came down heavy on it, and—"

"Yes, I heard the crash," said the matron with a smile. "I came as fast as I could."

"Professor Callum was just here, and he is going to report us to the doctor," said Frank.

"Well, don't worry," advised the matron. "I will explain matters to him. I have told him that some of the beds are too old to use, but he doesn't seem to pay any attention to me. It's like many other things around here."

"Say, what is the matter at Riverview, Mrs. Stone?" asked Andy eagerly. "There's something wrong; isn't there?"

"Wrong? No, nothing wrong!" replied the housekeeper. "Useless you call a lack of money wrong. Dr. Doolittle hasn't enough funds back of his institution, that's all. But please don't ask me any questions. Now I will have to transfer you to another room, or bring another bed in here. I guess the first is easier."

Asking the boys to follow her she led them to another apartment farther down the corridor. Andy was glad she did not ask for particulars about how he came to "come down sort of heavy" on the bed.

"There, I think these beds are better," she said, as she left them. Andy approached one.

"Here, what are you going to do?" asked Frank quickly. "No more monkey-shine business."

"I wasn't going to," answered Andy indignantly. "I just wanted to lay my finger on one and see if it would stand up."

"Which—the bed or your finger?" asked Frank.

"Both. Yes, it's all right," spoke the younger lad as he gently, and with an exercise of studious and elaborate care, pressed on the middle of the bed. "I think we can sleep in it. Let's get out some of our older togs and go outside to see what some of the fellows look like. I'm afraid we're not going to like this place."

They donned garments in which they felt more at home, and soon were strolling over the overgrown neglected campus. They met a number of lads and soon struck up an acquaintance with them. To one in particular, Jack Sanderson, they took quite a notion. He was an athletic looking lad, and they learned that he was as fond of water sports as they were.

"You say you've been here two years," remarked Frank to Jack, after a while, during which they had been strolling about, "then what ails this place, anyhow? Why isn't the baseball diamond and the football gridiron kept in better shape? What's the matter with the boathouse? Why isn't the campus kept better?"

"That's a heap of questions," said Jack. "I guess Flopps, the gardener, is so busy that he hasn't had time to cut the grass, but, as for the others, there are two reasons. One is that the fellows don't seem to take any interest in sports, and the other is that Dr. Doolittle has about all he can do to make both of his money ends meet. He hasn't any to spare on diamonds or gridirons. That's why."

"But why don't the fellows get together and do something?" Andy wanted to know.

"It wants someone to wake them up," Jack said. "I tried it, but I couldn't do anything. The football team fizzled out, and so did the baseball nine. Oh, this is a tough place! I wish dad would let me go to a live college. But it seems he knew Dr. Doolittle years ago, and he thinks he's a great scholar. And so he is!" went on Jack eagerly. "There isn't a better teacher anywhere than he, but some of the other teachers are fierce!"

"How about Professor Callum?" asked Frank.

"What! Old Thorny? He's the limit. Don't get in his bad books if you can help it."

"I guess we're there already," said Andy softly.

"Come on over this way," said Jack suddenly, as he linked his arms in those of the Racer boys. They noted that two other lads were approaching.

"Why, what's the matter?" asked Andy. "Don't you want to meet those fellows?" for Jack had turned aside.

"No," answered their new chum.

"Why not?" Frank wanted to know.

"Oh, that tall one is Gerald Welter, and he thinks he's the cock of the walk. He's a sort of leader among a certain crowd here, and he's always trying to pick a quarrel. I always keep out of his way."

"Who's with him?" inquired Andy.

"That's Luke Moss, his particular crony, and Luke is about as bad as Gerald. They'll get in a fight with you if they can. They always do with new fellows."

"Well, I don't know as I'd mind much," replied Frank, looking critically at Gerald as the latter swaggered past.

"Oh, you don't want to do that!" exclaimed Jack in some alarm. "He's a hard hitter and a great scrapper."

"Well, I'm something of a hard hitter myself," calmly said Frank. "I'm not looking for a fight, but I'm not going to run away from any fellow here. If I've got to fight I'll do it."

"And so will I!" exclaimed Andy.

The boys walked on a little farther until the sound of a bell was borne to them across the campus.

"Supper!" cried Jack. "Come on, Frank and Andy. You'll have to sit at the freshman table, but that's close to mine. I'll show you the way."

The food was fairly good, though as Frank and Andy said afterward, there might have been more of it. Following the meal they joined Jack, who introduced them to Ward Platt, his chum, who seemed a nice sort of chap.

"We'll stroll about a bit," said Jack, "and then I have to go in and do some studying. Where are you fellows sleeping?"

Andy named their room number.

"That's just around the corner of the corridor from mine," spoke Jack. "I'll try to sneak in and see you after I get through boning away. So long."

Neither Frank nor Andy thought it wise to speak about the broken bed yet. They wanted to await developments. As they started for their room they were met at the entrance of the dormitory by Professor Callum.

"Humph! So you are quartered here!" he exclaimed, eyeing them with no friendly glance. "Well, I want to warn you that I will tolerate no nonsense in this building. I am in charge. No nonsense, mind! I am now going to report you to Dr. Doolittle."

Frank and Andy walked on in silence for a moment.

"I guess he's going to make trouble for us, if he can," observed the older lad at length.

"It seems so," agreed Andy. His voice was despondent. They reached their room and lighted the gas. It burned dimly for the tips were old fashioned. "Say, this is the limit!" exclaimed the younger lad. "We can't see to read by that. And look at this room! It gives me the creeps. Say, Frank, this is the extreme edge. A punk school, no athletics, a dub crowd of fellows, except maybe one or two and a professor down on you from the start! I'll tell you what we'll do! Let's go back home! I can't stand this!"

Frank was silent for a moment. He gazed about the dismal room, and out over the dark and deserted campus. He looked in the direction of the neglected baseball field. Then he walked over and put his arm around his brother's shoulder.

"Andy," he said, "this is a pretty tough place, I'll admit. It doesn't seem as if we could stand it, but I believe there is good stuff in Riverview. Some of the fellows have the making of good football or baseball players in them, to say nothing of a rowing crew. I've been sizing them up.

"It's true there must be something wrong with Dr. Doolittle's management, but probably he's doing the best he can. I don't like to desert in the face of trouble, and I'll tell you what I'm going to do."

"What, Frank?"

"I'm going to stick it out right here, and see what I can do. Are you with me? Will you stick?"

"By Jove! I will!" cried the younger brother, and their hands met in a firm clasp. Though Riverview Hall did not know it, the dawn of a better day was breaking with the advent of the Racer boys.

CHAPTER IV

ALMOST CAUGHT

Frank and Andy were preparing for bed. It was a bit early, but they were tired with their day's travel. There was no necessity for study, and, as the younger lad had said, it would be hard to read by the poor gas light. So there was nothing to do but to turn in.

"But I know what I'm going to do, if the room we are assigned to permanently has such poor light as this," said Frank as he took off his coat.

"What?" inquired Andy, pausing in the midst of the same operation.

"Get some new gas tips that will give some illumination. That's all it needs. The pipes are big enough, all it needs is new tips. I should think Dr. Doolittle would think of that."

"Oh, he's probably thinking of a Greek root or how to translate some Hindoo phrase into modern Dutch."

"I shouldn't wonder."

"Oh, but say, don't you wish you were back at Harbor View?" asked Andy. "Think of the good times we had! Of the jokes I played on Chet Sedley! Of how we went after the whale, yes, and even being shut up in the cave, with the rising tide, by that Shallock fellow wasn't so bad—after we got out. Say, don't you wish you were back there, Frank?"

"No, I don't. This place is pretty tough, but I'm going to make myself like it, and stick."

"Oh, I guess you won't have to try to like it very hard."

"What do you mean?" and the older lad gazed at his brother in some astonishment.

"Oh, come off now! Don't pretend ignorance. I know why you want to stay all right!"

"Why?"

"Because that girl—the one we met on the boat, Gertrude Morton—lives near here. You're thinking you'll meet her again. I saw you giving her the friendly look as she got off the boat. That's why you want to linger here, even if the school is punk."

Frank did not answer. He made a jump for the bed, grabbed up a pillow and let it fly at his brother with such good aim that it struck Andy full in the face, and smothered the good-natured "joshing" he was keeping up against Frank.

"There!" cried the older lad gaily. "If you want another just say so!"

"Two can play at this game!" exclaimed Andy with a laugh, as he sent back the pillow with certain aim. "How's that? A strike all right, I guess."

"And here's another!" exclaimed Frank, as a second pillow went hurtling across the room.

The harmless fight was on in earnest now and the pillows went back and forth fast and furiously. There were only four of the soft headrests, but the brothers kept them constantly in use and the air seemed full of the white things as they were exchanged.

The brothers circled about the room, seeking for an advantage. Once Frank ducked and the pillow Andy had thrown went sailing over his head, striking a window, the shade of which was drawn down. In an instant the shade went whizzing to the top of the roller.

"Wow! Nothing the matter with the spring in that curtain!" exclaimed Frank.

"Pull it down! Quick!" called Andy, ceasing hostilities for a moment. "Old Thorny Callum, or some of the other profs may spot us from outside and make a row. Pull it down."

Frank obliged and the battle was renewed. It went on for several seconds, when Frank made a miscalculation and his pillow went into the gas jet.

Fortunately the cloth did not take fire, but the gas was blown out and the room was plunged in sudden darkness.

"Hurry up! Shut off the gas or we'll fill the place with it!" cried Frank.

"I'll light it," said Andy, fumbling about in the darkness for a match.

"No, shut it off first. There may be an explosion."

Thereupon Andy stumbled about in the blackness, barking his shins on a chair and stubbing his toe over a big dictionary that had fallen from the table. But finally the gas was turned off.

Frank then opened a window and let out the choking fumes, for, by reason of Andy's delay, considerable of the vapor had escaped. They lighted the jet a few minutes later.

Andy was about to resume the pillow fight, for he was a fun-loving lad and seldom wanted to stop any sport once it was started. He was just about to launch one of the soft missiles at his brother when there came a sharp but gentle tap on the door.

"Who's there?" asked Frank.

"It's me—Jack Sanderson," was the whispered reply. "What in the name of the Seven Sacred Snakes are you fellows up to? Old Callum is on the warpath. He's sneaking down from his room to catch you. Hop into bed, even if you aren't undressed. I just slipped down the back way to warn you. Cheese it, here he comes! I'll see you later."

The brothers heard the rapid retreat of shoeless feet.

"Gee horse!" exclaimed Andy. "He sure has it in for us. If he catches us—"

"Don't let him!" exclaimed Frank in a whisper. "Slip your night shirt on over your clothes and hop in bed. I'll douse the glim."

No sooner had this been done, and the brothers had only time to pull the bed clothes up over themselves when there came a loud and imperative summons on their door.

A hearty snore issued from Frank. It was a good imitation. Once more the knock, followed by another snore.

"Go ahead! Help me out!" whispered the older lad to his brother. "Can't you snore too?"

Andy did so. The knock was repeated for the third time and a gruff voice followed, saying:

"Come! Come, young gentlemen. I know you are not asleep. You are up to some mischief, I'm sure. I demand to be admitted at once!"

"Who's there?" asked Frank, simulating a sleepy yawn. "Is any one knocking?"

"Is anyone knocking? I should say there was!" came the rasping voice of Professor Callum. "Let me in instantly. Such conduct is disgraceful. Let me in."

"Come in," called Andy, also yawning. "The door is not locked. But who is it?"

"It is I—Professor Callum," was the reply as the door opened. There was a gasp of surprise from the crabbed instructor as he encountered intense darkness. He had expected to catch the boys with the gas lighted.

He struck a match, and saw two apparently innocent faces gazing at him in mild wonder from the beds. The professor's jaw dropped in chagrin.

"Why—er—that is—I heard noises coming from this room," he said severely. "It is against the rules. But you—you are in bed."

"Yes, Professor," spoke Frank calmly. "We retired early as we were weary. Ahem!"

"But I am sure I heard some noise. What was it?"

"I'm afraid I snore rather loudly when I sleep," said Frank innocently, "and my brother is also addicted to that habit, are you not, Andy?" He gazed innocently at his brother.

"Yes, I am sorry to say that I am," spoke Andy.

"Ouch! My!" suddenly exclaimed the professor. The room was plunged in darkness again, for the match had burned the teacher's fingers and he had dropped it.

"Did you say anything, Professor?" asked Frank gently.

Andy had to stuff the end of the sheet in his mouth to prevent his laughter from being heard.

"I thought I heard you say something," went on Frank.

"Humph! Let there be no more of this levity!" snarled Mr. Callum. He turned and hastily left the room, not taking the trouble to light any more matches to investigate further. The brothers could hear him tramping down the corridor.

"Get up and shut the door, then light the gas again," said Frank. "But turn it low, Andy."

His brother obeyed. Then both began to pick up the pillows which were still scattered about the room. Fortunately in the flickering light of his match Professor Callum had not observed them, or the snores of Frank and his brother would not have availed them. As it was they had had a narrow escape.

"Want to have another go at it?" asked Andy, as he began to undress in earnest now.

"No, I guess we've had enough for one night. I say though—"

Frank paused with the sentence unfinished for there came another knock at the door. The two brothers looked at each other with startled faces. Who could it be this time?

CHAPTER V

A BULLY DEFIED

"Why don't you answer the knock, Andy?" whispered Frank, after a pause.

"Why don't you go yourself? I'm going to hop into bed again. You douse the glim. You're nearer to it than I am."

Andy crossed the room on tiptoe, and Frank was just reaching up to the gas. They both thought Professor Callum had returned, thinking to catch them. Such things had been known to happen among students.

The knock was repeated, but this time it was given in a peculiar manner. There were two light taps, a pause, then a heavy tap, then three light ones.

"That's no professor rapping," whispered Andy.

"Just what I was thinking," responded Frank. "I guess it's safe to open the door." He swung the portal wide, not taking the trouble to turn down the gas, and saw the smiling face of Jack Sanderson.

"I thought you fellows were never going to open up," complained the newcomer as he quickly slid in, and shut the door after him. "Did he come? Did he catch you?"

"Yes—and no," replied Frank. "Thanks to your tip we were in bed when Thorny paid his little visit. He burned his fingers with a match and went out in a hurry."

"Burned his fingers? Say, that's a good one all right! It's the first time anybody's put anything over on him in a long while. Say, you fellows are all to the rice pudding."

"Oh, we didn't do it," explained Andy modestly. "He was so interested in hearing us snore that he forget he held the fire-stick."

"Snored did you?" gasped Jack in delight. "Better and better! Say, I'm glad you chaps came to Riverview. We need some one like you to wake up this ancient place."

"Is it safe to talk here?" asked Frank, for there were several things he wanted to know from some student who had been at the school long enough to be an authority.

"Oh, yes, I don't believe Thorny will come back," was Jack's opinion. "His room is near mine, and I waited until he went in before I came out again. I wondered what he was muttering about, but it must have been his burned fingers. Crackey! That was great, and he did it himself! He can't blame anyone. Yes, fire away. I can stay a little while longer, then I've got to get back to my den and bone on Latin. Beastly stuff, isn't it?"

"Oh, it's not so bad," said Frank, who really liked studying. "But what I wanted to ask you was what ails this place, anyhow?"

Jack looked about the room before replying.

"Guess we forgot our manners," said Andy. "Have a chair. Frank and I will take the beds. Now fire away. We've never been to such a queer school as this, and we can't understand it."

"It's simple enough," explained Jack. "In the first place this is quite an old institution. I mean it was founded a long time ago, but of course most of the buildings are comparatively new—they don't look it but they are. Dr. Doolittle is a fine scholar, too. Probably more of a scholar than he is a business man, and the same thing can be said of the board of trustees. Some of them are old fogies, but I don't mean any disrespect. They simply don't know how to run things.

"The school used to be better than it is now. Then a lot of rich men's sons came here, and they had a fine rowing crew, a good eleven and a crackerjack nine. That's what I've been told, for of course it was before my time. This is my second year."

"How did you ever happen to come back?" asked Frank, "after you saw what it was?"

"I didn't want to, but dad figured out that as long as I was doing well in my studies it didn't make any difference whether I rowed on a crew or not."

"Do you row?" asked Andy eagerly.

"A little," admitted their visitor modestly.

"That's what we like," explained Frank. "We hoped we'd get a whack at it here, but—nixy I guess."

"We saw a dandy shell as we were coming up," went on the younger lad. "It was at some college below here."

"Yes, that was at Waterside Hall. They have a fine crew—in fact they have good teams in all lines. They used to be a rival of Riverview, but that was years ago. They don't even take the trouble to challenge us now."

"That's pretty tough," said Frank softly.

"It sure is," admitted Jack. "Things have been going from bad to worse. The nine and eleven didn't get any support from the school heads, and gradually interest in them died out. Then the crew melted away, and we had a good one, too, with a dandy shell—a four-oared one.

"Money matters grew worse," went on Jack. "Dr. Doolittle was just able to make things go and that's about all. Gradually a lot of fellows came who didn't care anything about sport. Maybe they would have if there'd been any to care about, but there wasn't. You can see for yourself how things are. The diamond hasn't been used this year. We tried to get up a football eleven a few weeks ago, but after a little practice we had to drop it."

"Why?" Andy wanted to know.

"Well, some of the fellows were sissies and found fault because they barked their shins. Then, too, old Thorny put his foot down because some of us missed class one day after a stiff bit of practice. Dr. Doolittle goes a good bit by what Thorny says, and he gave us a lecture. The next day three fellows showed up for practice and—the eleven was dead.

"That's how things have gone. It's punk, I admit, for there is a chance of making this a good school, and one that would have a standing in athletics. But the doctor needs cash to make it go. I understand he's thinking of selling a half interest to some man who has a pile of money. The man is coming in a little while to look the ground over. But if he'll take my advice he'll invest his cash in a wild-cat gold mine. He'd stand a better chance with it than at Riverview. It's a shame that such a thing is true—but it is."

"Can't anything be done?" asked Frank.

"Hanged if I know," replied Jack. "The fellows don't seem to care to start anything. I guess we'll just have to let things slide. I'm glad to know you chaps, anyhow. Come and see me sometime. There are a few of us who sort of hang together. Ward Platt rooms with me. He's a fine all-'round athlete, and he's sore that there isn't something going on here.

"He sure was broken hearted after he got here. He wanted to quit the worst way, and go to Waterside Hall. But his guardian—both his parents are dead you know—his guardian put his foot down. It seems that he is a friend of Dr. Doolittle's, and has a great respect for the doctor's learning. He's right, there, too, but a fellow has to have some fun."

"Sure thing," agreed Frank.

"And so it goes," concluded Jack. "There, I've told you all I know, and I've stayed longer than I ought to, but when I get to talking it's hard to stop. Now I'm going to cut."

"Maybe that money man will take an interest after all," suggested Andy;

"I doubt it;" and with that Jack was gone.

The brothers talked over his visit as they finished getting ready for bed. Frank was awake for some time after turning in. He was thinking of the conditions at Riverview and wondering what he and Andy could do to better them. It seemed a hopeless task. Frank dreamed that he had organized a crew and was rowing in a hotly contested race when he fell overboard. He could feel the cold water on his feet, and then a voice cried:

"Say, are you going to sleep all day? The rising bell has given its morning tinkle!"

Frank opened his eyes to see his brother standing at the foot of the bed with a suspended water pitcher. Frank still felt the dampness on his feet.

"What the mischief are you doing, Andy?" he demanded, drawing his pedal extremities under the covers.

"This is my new alarm clock," explained the younger lad. "I wanted to awaken you, but I desired to do it in a gentle manner, so I poured water on your tootsie-wootsies. Why do you sleep with your feet sticking out, anyhow?"

"Oh, that's some more of your jokes!" complained Frank. "But is it really morning?"

"If it isn't, it's a good imitation of it, and my stomach has its usual hungry feeling for breakfast. Come on—move lively, as the street car conductors say."

There was a goodly attendance at chapel, whither the boys went after the morning meal. Dr. Doolittle proved to be an interesting talker.

"I am pleased to welcome so many students at the start of the fall term," said the good doctor, after the devotional exercises. "I also understand that there are a number of newcomers. I hope and trust that you boys who have been here for some time will welcome them, and make them feel at home.

"The lessons will begin as usual to-day, for most of the new classes are now formed. I presume matters will go on as usual, and that you boys will have your sports. I wish to add a word of caution. Do not devote too much time to them, to the exclusion of your studies."

"No danger of that," murmured Jack Sanderson, who sat near Frank and Andy.

"I may have some important news for you in a few days," went on the doctor. "I apprehend—er—that is, I hope—that extensive improvements may soon be made at Riverview Hall. We are planning—er—well, I think I will say no more at present. I think you will see that the experiment—Oh, I am not in the physics class, am I?" and the principal, whose absent-mindedness had led him into confusion, stopped short and dismissed the students.

"I guess he's referring to that man with money that I was speaking of," said Jack, as he filed out with the Racer boys. "Well, I hope he makes good, that's all. I'm aching for a good row."

"So am I!" exclaimed Frank. "Isn't there some kind of a boat on the river that we can hire?"

"I don't know. We'll see after school. I'm off to that punky Latin class now. So-long."

The students dispersed to their various classes. Andy and Frank noted that there was little enthusiasm. There was none of the cheerful spirit usually manifested at schools or colleges. None of the "horse-play" in which an extra head of "steam" is safely let off. True, some of the boys ran about and pulled or hauled their companions, but this was soon over and they went in comparative silence to their recitations.

"Whew! This is like a funeral!" exclaimed Andy.

"It sure is," agreed Frank.

The Racer boys did not find their first day of study hard. They were, in fact, a little ahead of their class and were complimented by Professor Dickson in mathematics. But it was a different story in the Latin recitation, over which "Old Thorny," as he was called, presided.

Frank failed in giving some case endings, and Professor Callum, looking up from his book, exclaimed with a sour smile:

"I see you are not well prepared, Racer. You remain after class and write me fifty lines of Latin prose."

It was a stiff dose, but Frank never flinched. He realized that this was the first clash with the vindictive teacher, and part of his revenge for the interference in the episode on the boat.

"All right, I can stand it if he can," thought Frank. "And I'd do the same thing over again if Miss Gertrude was in trouble."

Somehow the thought of the pretty girl seemed to make his task less hard.

Nor did Andy come out scathless for he slipped up on a comparatively simple question in Latin conjugation, one that he knew perfectly well. But perhaps he was nervous over his brother's fate.

"Ah, another Racer fallen," said the professor with an attempt at a joke. "Fifty lines. Next!"

Frank and Andy finished their tasks about the same time. They found Jack waiting for them outside the recitation hall.

"Are you through?" he asked.

"Yes—done for to-day, and done brown," said Frank.

"So am I. I heard about you. Thorny can be mean when he wants to. But come on. We'll go down to the river. I'm glad I've found somebody who likes the water. Here comes Ward. Maybe we can find a boat."

The four lads were strolling along toward the stream, when Jack, looking up, saw approaching Gerald Welter and Luke Moss, his crony.

"Let's go the other way," proposed Jack. "No use meeting those two fellows. They may say something and we'll get in a row."

"What of it?" asked Frank, who didn't like the idea of running away.

"He may want to fight," said Ward.

"Let him," said Frank. "I'm not going around the other way on his account. Come on. We've as good a right to go this path as he has."

"All right," assented Jack, with a shrug of his shoulders. "But don't say we didn't warn you."

As the bully and his crony came opposite the four lads, Jack and Ward touched their hats in a form of salute. Frank and Andy did not. At once Gerald came to a halt and there was an ugly look on his face.

"Say, Freshies!" he exclaimed, looking at Frank and Andy, "Don't you know enough to tip your hats to your superiors."

"I do when I see them," spoke Frank quietly.

"What's that?" cried Luke. "Did you hear that, Gerald?"

"I sure did, and I'll make him pay for it. Look here, you two Fresh—"

"They've just come," broke in Jack. "They didn't know it was the custom to tip to the juniors."

"That's their lookout," sneered Gerald. "You can tip twice now, to make up for it."

He paused and glared threateningly at Frank and Andy. Neither of them made a motion toward his cap.

"Well?" fairly shouted the bully.

"If you're through speaking we'll go on," and Frank took a step forward.

"No, you don't! Not until you tip to us!" exclaimed Gerald.

"Then we'll have to stay here a long time," said Frank with a smile, "for we're not going to tip. This isn't a college. If it was we'd conform to the custom. As it stands, we're not going to. Are we, Andy?"

"Not on your life!"

"Yes, you are!" fairly snarled the bully. "I'll make you!"

He made a grab for Frank's cap. Our hero stepped back, not wishing to come to a clash if he could avoid it. But the temper of Gerald was aroused. He leaped forward and made another grab. Frank shoved his arm to one side.

"Oh, ho! You want to fight, do you?" sneered the bully. "I can give you all you want of that!" He drew back his fist, but he was not prepared for what followed, for with a quick left-hander Frank reached his chin and Gerald Welter went over backward, falling on the soft grass with a thud.

CHAPTER VI

MISS MORTON'S TROUBLES

"Whew! Now you have done it!" gasped Jack, as he saw the bully go to earth.

"I guess Frank can take care of himself," said Andy calmly.

Ward Platt looked as if he wanted to take a hand in the hostilities himself, now that someone had started them. His eyes were bright with anticipation, and he clenched his fists as if ready for the fray.

Luke Moss looked horrified that his crony should thus be treated. He sprang toward the fallen bully.

"Let me alone!" snarled Gerald. "I'm all right. I'll make him pay for this."

He managed to get to his feet, though he staggered a bit, for Frank's blow had not been a light one.

"You—you dared to hit me—me!" gasped Gerald as he advanced toward our hero.

"I'm sorry I had to, but it was hit or be hit," said Frank calmly. "You spoke of fighting, you know."

"Yes, and I'll give you all you want!" fairly yelled the bully. "I'll show you who's boss here!"

He sprang toward Frank, but the latter never moved. He shifted his weight to the other foot and calmly awaited the onslaught.

Gerald had almost reached him, and there was every prospect of a fight, when Luke, who had been hanging in the background, being too great a coward to risk hostilities with any of Frank's companions, suddenly uttered a cry.

"Cheese it! Here comes Thorny!" he exclaimed. "He'll have us all up on the platform if he thinks we're fighting."

"Cut for it!" gasped Jack.

"I'll stick it out," declared Frank.

But the others did not think it wise. Even the vindictiveness of Gerald seemed to ooze away. He glared at Frank, but his hands dropped to his side.

"Come on," called Luke. "He doesn't suspect anything yet"

"All right, but I'm not done with you, Fresh!" called the bully to Frank. "I'll make you wish you'd never come to Riverview."

"I'll meet you any time you say," replied Frank calmly. "And I'll be delighted to give you satisfaction. I'm not going to tip my cap, either, and I'd advise the others to cut out that silly custom."

"You'll tip it all right when I'm through with you," snarled the bully.

Then he and his crony turned aside while our four friends continued on their way to the river. Professor Thorndyke Callum passed them with a frigid nod, and the boys congratulated themselves that he had been sighted in time, for he had a particular horror of fighting and meted out severe punishment to those whom he caught.

"Say, this is the best thing I've seen since I came here," said Ward admiringly to Frank. "Gee! but you sent him down all right. Where did you get that punch?"

"Oh, I took boxing lessons," said Frank modestly. "But it's time that fellow was taken down a peg. How did you fellows let him get such a hold over you?"

"Oh, he was here when we came," explained Jack, "and he beat up all the fellows who wouldn't do as he wanted them to. He never met any one who could trim him I guess."

"I don't know that I can trim him," said Frank, "but I'll try, if I get a chance. I'm not going to tip my cap to him, or to any of the juniors."

"There'll be a row," predicted Ward.

"Let it come," said Andy easily. "We like trouble; eh, Frank?"

"Sure, if it comes our way we're not going to dodge it. But how does it come that such a 'sport,' as I have no doubt this Welter thinks himself to be, attends here at such a run-down school as Riverview?"

"He was expelled from Waterside," explained Jack, "and he came here. He's an example of a big fish in a little puddle. He has plenty of money and he lords it over most of the fellows. I guess that's why he stays on. He likes the power he has."

"Well, he's not going to boss me, even if he is a junior," declared the elder Racer lad. "I'm willing to conform to the usual unwritten rules of a school, but not for such fellows as Welter. Now come on, and we'll see if we can't find something to row."

But Frank was not destined to get on the water that day. As he and his companions were nearing the stream Andy uttered an exclamation.

"Look who's here!" he said to his brother. Glancing to where he pointed Frank saw approaching two girls. One was a stranger to him but he quickly recognized the other as Miss Gertrude Morton.

"Do you know 'em?" asked Jack quickly.

"One," answered Frank.

"Oh ho! Then don't let us butt in on a date with the fair damsels," said Ward quickly. "Come on, fellows, Frank has his hands full."

"Nothing of the sort!" objected Frank quickly. "I didn't expect to meet them. Here, don't go away."

But the other three had turned down a side road, looking back with mocking grins on their faces.

"Hang it all!" exclaimed Frank. "Leaving me in the lurch this way. Andy at least might have stayed. Well, I'm not going to run." Frank was not a coward in more meanings than one.

"How do you do, Mr. Racer?" asked Miss Morton, as she approached. "I didn't expect to meet you here. This is my friend, Miss Grace Knox. Grace, this is the gentleman I was telling you about—he met me on the steamer."

"I trust you have not had any more trouble with Mr. Callum," Frank said.

"Oh, no, I haven't even seen him," said Gertrude. "Oh, but he frightened me so!"

"It must have been terrible," commented Miss Knox.

"I've told Grace all about it," Gertrude went on. "She and I are great chums. We go to the same school. It's not far from Riverview Hall, and sometimes we walk home this way."

"I—I hope you do it often," said Frank gallantly.

The girls laughed but they were not ill-pleased.

"How do you like it here?" asked Gertrude.

"Oh, it's too early to say yet," replied the lad. "My brother and I hope to have some fun. But I would be very glad if I could do anything to help you, Miss Gertrude. Is the trouble with Professor Callum a serious one?"

"Most money troubles are serious," said the girl with a sigh. "It's no secret. My mother is a widow, and when poor papa died several years ago he left her some stock or bond shares, in some concern. I don't know just what they were.

"When it came time for me to leave high school and go to Fuller Academy where Grace and I attend, mother needed some extra money. She went to a lawyer who said she could raise money on the stocks or bonds. As it happened Mr. Callum had some to lend and we borrowed it, on a note thinking we could sell the bonds when we had to pay it.

"Everything seemed to be all right, but recently Mr. Callum wanted his money back. Mother and I thought it would be easy enough to take the bonds to some bank, raise the money and pay off the professor. But we found we couldn't."

"Why not?" asked Frank.

"Because it seems that the bonds were worthless. No one would take them, and so we couldn't raise the money to pay back Mr. Callum. He was very angry and though we did our best we have not been able to sell the bonds. So he hasn't been paid. That was what he was speaking to me about on the boat. Oh, if he had taken hold of me I should have fainted I'm sure."

"He's a brute!" exclaimed Frank.

"Poor Gertrude," whispered Grace, putting her arm around her chum.

"And so that is the story of our trouble," went on the girl. "Poor mother is much worried and doesn't know what to do. Mr. Callum threatens to bring suit and take our little home away from us. We have tried everything but nothing seems to be of any use."

"I wish I could help you!" said Frank eagerly. "My father is in business in New York, and perhaps he could give your mother some advice about the bonds. I wish you'd let me ask him."

"I'll speak to mamma about it," said Gertrude. "But we must hurry on, Grace. I have a lot of lessons to study."

"Do you walk this way every day after school?" asked Frank boldly.

"Sometimes—that is nearly every day," answered Gertrude, with a blush.

"I'm going to write to my father," said Frank eagerly. "If you will get me the name of the company who issued the bonds I may be able to help you. Perhaps I shall see you here to-morrow."

"Perhaps," admitted the girl shyly, and then she and her chum turned away.

Frank stood for a moment, in a sort of daydream. It was rudely interrupted by a chorus of excited shouts on the river, followed by others close at hand.

"Ha! What's that?" exclaimed Frank. He broke into a run, and, turning down a path was met by his brother and the two chums.

"What's the matter?" cried Frank.

"The Waterside Hall rowing shell just passed here and it upset!" exclaimed Jack. "It hit an old skiff that was moored at our boathouse, but it must have got adrift. Come down this way and you can see 'em better. They're all in the water, but they can swim like fishes, so there's no danger."

"Gee! But they went over suddenly!" said Andy. "All in the water at once. There they are!"

Frank peered through a fringe of bushes and saw nine forms struggling in the river about a long, slender racing shell. As he looked one of the rowers threw up his hands, uttered a cry, and sank from sight.

CHAPTER VII

TO THE RESCUE

"Look! Look!" cried Andy.

"He's drowning!" yelled another of the excited lads on the bank.

"Must have been taken with a cramp!" exclaimed Jack.

"And the others are either too much occupied in saving themselves, or they don't know he's gone down!" added Frank. While he was speaking he was rapidly divesting himself of his shoes and his heavier articles of clothing.

"Where are you going?" demanded Andy.

"To save him of course!"

Frank plunged into the river and with long, even strokes headed for the spot where the unfortunate oarsman had gone down. By this time the others had succeeded in getting a hold on the overturned shell.

A moment later they seemed aware that one of their number was missing, and after some excited shouts and calls the lad nearest the bow of the shell let go and dived, evidently with the intention of bringing up his comrade.

"He's too far to the left," commented Andy in a low voice. "Frank stands a better chance of getting him."

"I wonder why some of the others don't go after him?" remarked Jack. "What's the matter with them?"

"Maybe they're afraid of getting cramps, too," suggested Ward. "They might take a chance, though."

"There the fellow comes up who dived down," exclaimed Andy. "He couldn't locate him."

"Yes, and there's the fellow who had a cramp!" cried Ward, pointing some distance away from the slowly drifting shell. A body shot into view. A hand and arm were raised in a mute appeal for help, and then the lad went down for the second time. But the current of the river was carrying him toward Frank, who was swimming strongly.

The elder Racer lad had seen the boy rise, and changed his course accordingly. A little later, he, too, disappeared from sight.

"Frank's gone!" gasped Jack.

"Not him," said Andy confidently. "Frank can swim like a fish on top or under the water. Once he stayed under two full minutes. He's probably taken a deep dive. Watch and you'll see him come up!"

Eagerly the lads on the shore watched. It seemed like many minutes but in reality it was only a few seconds before Frank reappeared.

"He hasn't got him!" cried Ward.

"Then he'll go down again," said Andy grimly, and Frank did. Meanwhile the lads on the shell were helplessly clinging there. They saw Frank's brave efforts and realized that he was more expert than any of them.

"There he comes!" was the excited cry raised in a chorus by the three on the bank as Frank shot up from the water and encircled in one arm was the helpless and limp form of the half-drowned lad. There came a faint cheer from those on the shell, toward which Frank struck out.

"It won't do him any good when he does get there," said Andy excitedly. "They can't right it and put that chap aboard. We ought to go out in a boat. Isn't there any at the boathouse, fellows?"

"A couple of old ones I guess," answered Jack. "Come on, let's look."

They were not far from the ruin that passed for a boathouse, and as they approached they saw a fairly-good boat drawn up on the shore.

"That will do!" cried Andy. "That wasn't here the day we came."

"No, that belongs to Bill Spalter, who does odd jobs around the school," hurriedly explained Ward. "I guess you can take it."

Andy began shoving off the craft.

"You come with me, Jack," he said. "That's about all it will hold," he added to Ward, who nodded comprehendingly.

With strong strokes the two lads pulled toward where Frank was swimming with his burden. Shouts from those on the shell told him someone was coming to the rescue and Frank turned to where they pointed back of him, and swam to meet his brother.

"He's pretty far gone, but I guess we can bring him around," panted the elder Racer lad, as he helped Andy and Jack get the rescued one into the boat. "Get ashore as fast as you can," he added as he himself clambered in.

It was fortunate that Frank and Andy knew the rules for reviving partially drowned persons. They worked vigorously over the unconscious lad when they reached the platform about the boathouse, and soon had most of the water out of his lungs. Then they tried artificial respiration.

"This is like the time when we rescued Paul," said Andy, referring to their summer spent at Harbor View.

"Don't talk—work," advised Frank. And they did work to such advantage that in a little while the rescued one opened his eyes.

"He's all right now," said Frank, with a sigh of relief. "But it was a close call. He had a bad cramp."

"Where are the others?" asked the lad faintly.

"They're all right," answered Jack. "They've got the shell ashore now and righted. They'll be here for you soon."

"You fellows are all right!" declared the lad who had been so near death. "Crawford is my name, Tom Crawford. I'm from Waterside."

"We're from Riverview," spoke Jack, and he named himself and his companions. "Are you all right now?"

"I guess so—yes, I'm all right," and Tom Crawford, who seemed to be a manly young chap, proved his words by walking about. "A little weak in the legs," he confessed with a smile.

"We can row you to your school," suggested Frank, "though this boat isn't very good."

"Oh, no, thanks, I wouldn't think of troubling you. I can walk, I guess."

"You won't have to. Here comes the shell after you," said Andy. "How did you come to upset?"

"It was my fault, I guess. I don't pull a very good stroke yet. You see we're only the freshman crew, but some of the fellows are better than I. I caught a crab, when we were trying to avoid an old boat, and we went over. Then I got a cramp. But it was bully of you to come out and get me," he added, taking Frank's hand in a firm clasp. "I'll never forget it. You saved my life."

"Pshaw! Any one would have done it," said Frank.

There were more thanks and congratulations from the other members of the freshman eight when they reached what passed as the landing stage for the Riverview boathouse. Frank and Andy, though, noticed that there was something of a coldness between their two chums and the other school lads.

"What's the reason for that?" asked Frank when the shell had been rowed away, after renewed thanks on the part of Tom Crawford. "Why, aren't you friendly with those fellows?"

"Well, they've always been our rivals," explained Jack. "There is considerable jealous feeling I guess, just as there is between us and Milton Academy. That's another school farther up the river. You see we used to play both of them on the diamond and gridiron, as well as race them on the river. But of late years there has been nothing of that sort."

"It ought to be changed," declared Frank, and, though the others agreed with him, they saw no way of bringing it about.

"Well, it's getting late and we'd better be getting back to school," said Jack, after a pause. "I should think you'd want to change your togs, Frank."

"I do. I'm a pretty looking sight, I guess. Come on."

As Frank was going to his room, he met in the corridor Professor Callum. The crabbed instructor looked at the wet figure, scowled and rasped out:

"Well, what have you been doing? Falling in the river?"

"I went in to save a lad who had a cramp," explained Frank.

"Humph! Well I want to tell you one thing, Mr. Racer. I don't allow students to dirty up this dormitory. I'm in charge I'd have you know, and the next time you get wet change your clothes before you come in here. We can't be paying janitors to clean after you boys all the while."

Frank said nothing, but kept on to his room.

"Nice pleasant sort of a man; isn't he?" observed Andy grimly.

"Sort of that way," admitted his brother sarcastically.

CHAPTER VIII

OVER THE RIVER

"Say, but you fellows have this room fixed up in great shape!" complimented Jack Sanderson.

"Yes, it's pippy!" declared Ward Platt after another glance around the apartment. They had called on Frank and Andy in the permanent apartment that had been assigned to them, and their expressions of admiration were called forth by the various ornaments and pictures with which the Racer boys had decorated their study.

"Yes, it's sort of so-so," admitted Frank. "We brought these things with us, and we thought we might as well stick them up. It makes it sort of home-like."

"I should say it did," agreed Jack, as he looked at a pair of fencing foils.

"Do you use these?" asked Ward, indicating two pairs of boxing gloves.

"Oh, Frank and I put them on for fun once in a while," admitted Andy.

"You may need 'em if Gerald Welter keeps his word and gets into a fight with you," said Jack with a smile at Frank.

"Oh, I'm not worrying. But I haven't seen him lately. Where has he been?"

This was several days after the rescue of Tom Crawford from the river, and during the interim our heroes had settled down into the life and ways of Riverview Hall.

"Oh, Welter," answered Ward. "I heard he went off on a little spree with Luke Moss. They came in late and were caught by Thorny. He made them stay in their rooms three days."

"So, that's the how of it," commented Frank. "Thorny seems to be right on the job."

"You'd have thought so if you'd seen him bullying that little Miss Morton," commented Andy. "By the way, Frank, what did she have to say to you that day you met her?"

"Yes, and who was the pretty girl with her?" Jack wanted to know.

"That was Grace Knox," said Frank, "and Miss Morton was telling me about her money troubles with Thorny. It's a shame, and I'm going to see if dad can't do something about those bonds," he added to his brother, when he had related the circumstances.

"I believe he could," declared Andy. "It's worth trying, anyhow. But say, speaking of money matters, when is that millionaire coming here to invest in Riverview stock?" he asked of Jack. "I wish he'd hurry up, for if we're going to have any money to spend on the gridiron or in getting a racing shell we'd better do it before cold weather sets in."

"I haven't heard anything about that lately," replied Jack. "But I don't believe it will pan out in time for this year. We used to row pretty late on the river though, much later than is usual at other schools or colleges. We have a fine course here."

"But no boats," said Frank regretfully. "Well, I've got to do some boning. Don't let me stop the talk though; go right on."

"No, we've got to go," announced Jack. "I'm not as well up on to-morrow's Latin as I ought to be." Thereupon the two visitors took their departure and Frank and Andy did some studying.

"I'm going for a row to-morrow afternoon," said the elder lad, after a period of silence. "Want to come?"

"What are you going to row in?"

"Bill Spalter said I could take his boat. It isn't so bad, though it's awful slow and heavy. I'd almost go rowing in a tub, just to get on the water again."

"So would I. I'm with you."

Jack and Ward had some lessons to make up the next day, and could not join our heroes. Frank and Andy hastened down to the river, the waters of which were sparkling in the sun.

"Gee, but it's a fine day!" exclaimed Andy. "I'd like to have some fun."

"With—er—lobsters, for instance?" asked Frank with a sly smile, referring to the time when a joke was turned on his brother, as related in "The Racer Boys."

"Not on your life—no! But say with that bully Welter. I saw him to-day, and he sneered at me."

"He didn't try to make you tip your cap, did he?"

"I should say not! I'd have tackled him if he had, though he's bigger than I am."

"Leave him to me," said Frank significantly.

They rowed leisurely down the river, for they had finished their lessons early that day and had several hours to themselves.

"This is a clumsy old tub, but it's great to be out in even this," said Frank. "Oh, if we only had our boats here!"

"I wonder if we couldn't send for them?" ventured Andy.

"It's a little too late this year, but if we stay I've a good notion to do it. Pull a little on your left, we're drifting too near the bank."

Andy did as requested, and, as he looked over his shoulder to see the course, he uttered an exclamation.

"Here comes the Waterside eight! Look how they pull! I wonder if Tom Crawford is in it?"

"That isn't a freshman shell," declared Frank.

"Why not?"

"Freshmen can't row like that. It must be the varsity. I believe it is! Say, they're all right," and Frank paused in his rowing to gaze admiringly at the oncoming shell. Truly it was a pretty sight.

Nearer and nearer it came at a swift pace. Unconsciously both Andy and Frank ceased rowing and their boat drifted with the current. They were nearer the oncoming shell than they realized, especially since the coxswain changed his course slightly to avoid a floating log.

Suddenly above the voice of the steersman monotonously counting the strokes there came a cry.

"Hey, you fellows! Look where you're going! Do you want us to run you down?" The hail came from the shell, and the tones were almost insulting.

"Gee! We are pretty close," said Andy in some alarm. "Pull over, Frank."

The two lads dipped their oars in the water, but the current had them in more of a grip than they counted on. The rowers from Waterside had not ceased their swift strokes and the knife-like shell was fairly tearing through the water.

"Look out! Look out!" yelled several of the scantily-clad rowers. The shell was between the heavy drifting log and the big clumsy rowboat containing Frank and Andy. To steer the shell very much to either side, at the rate it was going, would mean almost certain capsizing.

"What ails you boobs, anyhow?" howled the coxswain. "You ought not to be allowed on the river without a nurse. Get off our course!"

The men had ceased rowing but the shell was still shooting forward under its momentum. A flush came to Frank's tanned face.

"We've got as good a right on this river as you have!" he cried.

"They're from Riverview!" cried a rower. "Soak 'em!"

"Pull away," advised Andy in a low voice.

But it was too late. On came the shell. The rowboat was rapidly drifting and in spite of the efforts of the brothers the two craft came together broadside. There was a splintering of wood and the oar of the bow rower was smashed. The shell careened violently.

"Look out! We're going to capsize!" yelled the excited lads, while the coxswain hurled a volley of abuse at Frank and Andy.

CHAPTER IX

THE MILLIONAIRE ARRIVES

Only by the smallest margin was the long narrow racing shell prevented from turning over. Prompt action on the part of the lads in it, who were veteran oarsmen in spite of their years, saved the day. But considerable water was shipped.

As for Andy and Frank, they worked hard with their sculls to send their boat out of the way of the other craft. The current hampered them, and it took considerable muscle to get them where there was no danger for themselves or the lads from Waterside Hall.

Then, when comparative calmness had succeeded the confusion, the looks of all in the shell were turned on our two heroes.

"Say, who are you dubs, anyhow?" demanded the irate coxswain.

"They're from Riverview," put in a rower. "Can't you tell by their sweaters?"

"Well, all I've got to say," went on the coxswain, "is that you fellows ought to stay off this part of the river until you know how to row. You've broken one of our oars and maybe damaged our shell. Why don't you keep near shore until you know how to handle a boat?"

"Yes, and it was my best oar, too," wailed the bow rower ruefully as he gazed at the splintered sweep.

"We ought to duck them!" exclaimed the rower front of him. "It would serve 'em right."

This tirade and abuse had been heaped up so quickly on Andy and Frank that they had not had time to reply to it. But they were far from going to sit still and take it all calmly.

"Look here!" exclaimed Frank, as he held the old tub steady with slow sweeps of the oars, "you fellows may think you own the river, but you don't."

"We have as much right on it as you have," added Andy.

"Hear 'em talk!" jeered the coxswain.

"And what's more," continued the elder Racer lad, "it was as much your fault as ours."

"How do you make that out?" asked a rower amidships.

"Because you are supposed to know the currents of this stream, and we've only been here a few days. If I lived near a stream of water I'd know all about it before very long."

"Aw get out, you're dubs! You don't know how to row!"

"We don't, eh?" demanded Andy. "I'll race any one of you individually in any kind of a craft you like. Don't know how to row!"

"We could row before you fellows knew what a boat or an oar was," declared Frank, and this was probably true, for they had been near the water all their lives and had been trusted out, not too far from shore, alone, when but five years old.

"Well, you want to keep out of our way after this," was all the retort the coxswain could make.

"Yes, you dubs from Riverview haven't any rights on the river since you gave up racing," added another of the Waterside Hall lads.

"Is there such a place as Riverview any more?" asked a third. "I understood it had been sold at auction."

There was a laugh at this, a laugh that brought a flush of anger and shame to the cheeks of Frank and Andy. The laugh still rang in their ears as they rowed away, and its echo seemed to follow them as they disappeared around a bend in the river and saw the shell being pulled back.

"Well?" remarked Andy in a questioning tone, after a long period of silence.

"Um," said Frank, noncommittally. "They're rather a stuck-up crowd. They think they're the whole universe when it comes to rowing, and a bit more. I wish we could take them down a peg. I'd just like to be one of a four-oared-shell crowd to put it all over them. Jove! Wouldn't it be fun to beat the jackets off them?"

"Oh, what's the use?" wearily demanded Andy. "We belong to a dub school, even if we aren't dubs ourselves. There's no use denying it—Riverview is on the fritz and we know it. Everybody else knows it too. I feel like quitting. I'm going to write to dad to-night, and tell him all about it." Clearly the recent happening had taken the spunk out of Andy.

"Look here!" exclaimed Frank vigorously. "There never yet was a Racer who was a quitter, and you're not going to begin. I said we'd stick it out, and we will. We won't give up just because those fellows laughed at us. They'd have some excuse for calling us dubs then. No, sir, we'll stick it out, and if there's any possible way of it I'm going to row those Waterside fellows and beat 'em, too!"

"It isn't possible, Frank."

"I don't care, I'm going to stick, just the same."

"Well, there's some excuse for you."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that you are older than I am, and you've made more friends already."

"More? Why you've got as many friends as I have."

"There's Miss Morton, and——"

"Oh, cut it out. Is that what's eating you? Say, I thought you looked a bit down in the gills. Now look here, she's got a friend, Miss Knox, and I'll introduce you to her."

"Aw, I don't want to meet any girls," protested Andy with a blush.

"That's all right, you've got to meet her. I promised Miss Morton I'd call on her some night this week. I'm going to have a look at those bonds and then I'm going to see what dad can do about them. I heard that old Thorny made another demand on the widow for the money and she's at her wits' end. I'm going to see Gertrude, and you're coming."

"Oh, I am, eh?" asked Andy rather sarcastically.

"Yes, and you're going to meet her friend. She's going to be there—Gertrude told me so."

"Seems to me you're getting quite familiar on short acquaintance—calling her by her front handle."

"Cut it out, I know what I'm doing."

The two brothers rowed on in silence until they came in sight of the ruined boathouse of Riverview Hall. Then Andy remarked:

"There's Jack and Ward. Going to tell them?"

"Sure," answered his brother. "I want to make a proposition to them."

"What kind?"

"You'll soon hear. I've made up my mind to one thing, and that is, if it's at all possible, Riverview is going to have a racing crew if it's only a four-oared shell."

"Good for you!" cried Andy as he helped his brother to make fast Bill Spalter's boat.

"Where have you fellows been?" demanded Jack Sanderson. "We were looking for you."

"Just for a little jaunt," answered Frank, "and we had quite an experience, too," and he proceeded to relate the particulars of the run-in with the Waterside boys.

"I didn't know they were that kind of chaps," commented Andy.

"They're snobs, of the worst kind," declared Jade. "It didn't use to be so, when Riverview was in her glory. Then our boys used to put it all over those chaps. But now it's different," and he shook his head mournfully.

"Much different," added Ward.

"But why need it be?" asked Frank quickly. "I'm sure there is as good material here as in that school," and he waved his hand down the river. "Why can't we get up a rowing crew? There is still time enough this season. Maybe we could challenge Waterside Hall."

"Where's the money to come from?" asked Jack. "Who'll support the crew?"

"And where's the crew to come from?" asked Ward.

"If we only went in for a four-oared shell it wouldn't take much of a crew," said Frank quickly. "Andy and I are in training, and from what I've seen of you and Jack, you are also. We four could give a good account of ourselves I fancy. Do they have a four-oared varsity shell at Waterside?"

"Yes. Some of the fellows in the eight row in the four—the same ones you had the run-in with to-day."

"Then they are some rowers—believe me," spoke Andy with conviction. "But I'm willing."

"I would like to go in for it!" said Ward decidedly. "I wonder if we could manage it?"

Eagerly the four lads talked it over as they walked up to the school buildings. Frank and Andy were more eager than their companions, perhaps for the reason that the stagnant blood of Riverview had not yet had its effect on them. Jack and Ward would have been glad to see even one four-oared shell carrying the colors of their school, but they did not understand how it could be managed.

"If Riverview was a richer school, or if there was more of a school spirit here, we could do it easily," said Jack.

"Even without the spirit that could soon be brought out if some rich man would endow the school heavily," suggested Ward.

"Well, I'm going to find some way to have a crew," declared Frank determinedly as they parted to go to their respective rooms. "You fellows come and see us to-night and I may have a plan."

As Frank and Andy were about to enter their apartment they were passed in the corridor by Professor Thorndyke Callum. The crabbed teacher did not see them, or, if he did, he took no notice of them. He was speaking to Professor Dickson.

"I have to go away this evening," Mr. Callum was saying. "I shall leave you in charge of this dormitory, Professor. And I warn you that there are a number of unruly spirits here. In particular look out for those two Racer lads."

"Hum!" murmured Frank, as he slid into his room. "We may give you plenty of excuse for saying that, Thorny, before we get through with you." The next words of the crabbed instructor came to Frank as a shock.

"I have to go to Dailsburg on some money matters," went on Mr. Callum. "I am trying to collect an outstanding debt, and I fear I shall have to take strenuous measures."

"By Jove! He's going to annoy Gertrude and her mother again!" whispered Frank to his brother. "I'm going to stop that business!"

"How are you going to do it? You can't go out and have a row with Callum, now."

"I know it, but I can go to Dailsburg myself and tell Mrs. Morton that dad will take charge of her financial affairs. Dad will make Thorny know what's what, and teach him to let a poor widow and her daughter alone. I'm going to Dailsburg."

"Good for you!" exclaimed Andy. "I'm with you. We'll run the guard right after supper."

But Andy and Frank were not to get away as soon as they hoped to. They hurried to their room after the evening meal, dispensed with study that evening and made preparations for getting quietly out of school. This was against the rules, but they knew Mr. Callum was not on guard.

"Professor Dickson will be easy," was Frank's opinion. "He'll probably keep to his room all evening working on some mathematical problem. We can get out and back again before he knows it. Come on, Andy."

There sounded a cautious knock on their door—the knock of Jack or Ward, given in the usual signal code. Frank swung the portal.

"Hurray! Good news!" cried Jack, for it was he and his chum who stood in the hall.

"What's up?" demanded Andy.

"The millionaire has come," whispered Ward as he slipped in after Jack. "Mr. Pierson Lairman, who is an old grad of Riverview, reached here to-night. He's the one I was telling you about who is going to invest a lot of money in the school. It means the solution of Dr. Doolittle's financial troubles and it means that the old school will take on new life."

"Yes, and it means that we can have a crew, a nine, and a football eleven!" added Jack. "We just heard the news and came to tell you. Mr. Lairman is in Dr. Doolittle's study now. He brought a black bag with him. I wouldn't wonder but what it was stuffed with greenbacks. Wow! Isn't it great! Now we don't have to worry about getting a shell. Let's talk about the new crew! I'll row now!"

CHAPTER X

AN ANGRY PROFESSOR

There was so much whirlwind enthusiasm in the dual announcement by Jack and Ward that, for a moment, Frank and Andy could not get a word in. They motioned their companions to seats and then asked for particulars.

"Are you sure he's here?" demanded Frank.

"Yes, it's been rumored for some time that he was to come, and he's here all right," said Ward.

"Besides I heard Dr. Doolittle call him by his name," added Jack. "And if you could see how happy the poor worried doctor looked it would have been proof enough."

"I hope it is true, and that he does invest about a million in Riverview," spoke Andy. "She needs it," and he gazed out over the neglected athletic fields and toward the ruined boathouse.

"How did it all come about?" Frank wanted to know.

"Well, this millionaire—Mr. Lairman—used to attend school here years ago," explained Jack, who seemed to have all the traditions of Riverview at his tongue's end. "It was a different sort of a place then, and lots of rich men's sons came here. After years had passed, as they say in the novels, Mr. Lairman graduated, went away and amassed a fortune. Notice that word 'amassed.'"

"Some class to you," murmured Frank.

"Go on," urged Andy.

"More years passed," resumed Jack, "and Riverview fell upon dark days. Recently Dr. Doolittle, seeking help, chanced to think of Mr. Lairman. He wrote to him and asked him to take a half interest in the school, which, the doctor said, ought to be made to pay well if rightly managed. Mr. Lairman said he'd come on and investigate. He's here—what's the answer?"

"If he only does invest," murmured Ward, "it will be the best thing that could happen. I say, let's talk all about it."

"Not now," said Frank quickly.

"Why not?"

"Andy and I have to go out. Don't say anything about it, but we're going to cut. Thorny is away and it's safe."

"Got a date?" asked Jack.

"Sort of," admitted the elder Racer lad. "Don't think we're putting you out, but we've got to tog up."

"Girls! I knew it!" cried Ward. "Come on, Jack. Let's go where we're appreciated."

"Don't think we're not glad about the news," went on Frank, "but this is something important and it won't keep."

"That's all right," spoke Jack good-naturedly. "We know how it is. Get on your pink neckties and scoot. We'll see you again."

Frank and Andy began to make a hasty change in their attire as soon as the door closed.

"I hope we're not too late," murmured Frank. "I want to get there before Old Thorny does."

"Did you get an invite?" asked Andy, struggling with a new necktie in a stiff collar. "Does she know you are coming?"

"No, but the last time I saw Gertrude she invited me to call, though she didn't set any time. It's time now, though, so it will be all right. I want to get ahead of him, and I'll tell Mrs. Morton that she needn't worry about those bonds, for dad will make them all right."

"How do you know he will?"

"Oh, I'm pretty sure. Anyhow, if he doesn't, I've got some money of my own. I didn't spend all we got from the whale."

"Me either. Say, but you're getting in deep, though. But I'm with you, and if you need any cash—just call on me. I'd do a good bit to get ahead of Old Thorny. But what do you think of the news Jack and Ward brought?"

"About the millionaire? I only hope it's true. It's about time something was done for Riverview. Well, I'm ready. Come on."

"Do I look all right?" Andy asked anxiously.

"Sure, but what do you care?"

"Oh, I thought you said that——"

"Oh ho! I see! Well, maybe Grace will be there. Come on."

It was but a short ride to Dailsburg on the trolley from Riverview, and on the way Frank and Andy kept a sharp watch for Professor Callum. But he was either ahead of or behind them. The latter, Frank hoped.

Frank's ring at the bell of the Morton home was answered by Gertrude in person. Her face, which bore a worried expression, lighted up at the sight of him.

"Oh, I'm very glad to see you!" she exclaimed. "Come in."

"Andy is here too," said Frank, with a little laugh.

"That's nice. Grace Knox is calling on me. You met her, I believe."

"Yes, but, Miss Gertrude, is your mother in? I called partly on business."

"She is in, but she has a caller now. Professor Callum is in the parlor." The boys could hear the rumbling of his crabbed voice.

"Then I'm too late!" said Frank quickly.

"Too late? What do you mean?" asked Gertrude.

"I heard him talking to one of the other teachers to-day," said Frank, "and I guessed that he was coming here. I want to tell your mother that I'm going to have my father take up the matter of the bonds or stocks at once. I know he can get her some money for them so she won't have to worry any more about not being able to pay Old Thorn—I mean Mr. Callum. I hurried here hoping to get ahead of him, so she wouldn't be insulted by him. She could tell him that arrangements were being made to sell the bonds."

"But are you sure of this?" asked Gertrude, a look of hope coming into her face. "We have been so often disappointed, though we are sure the bonds are perfectly good. I would not want to raise false hopes."

"I am sure the bonds are good!" agreed Frank, "and I am sure we can get money for them. Andy and I know something about finance."

"That's right," said the younger brother with a wise nod of his head.

"Oh, I'm so glad!" exclaimed the girl. "I'll tell mamma at once. I wish you had gotten here before he did," and she nodded in the direction of the parlor, "as I know mamma is very much distressed about the matter, and this interview is sure to give her a headache. Mr. Callum, in his usual rough way, made a demand for the money at once. He even threatened to sell our little home if we didn't pay. I'm going to see if I can get a chance to tell mamma. Come in, I'll take you to Grace, and she can entertain you until I come back."

Andy blushed when presented to the pretty companion of their young hostess, but he soon recovered his usual spirits and gave a laughable account of a joke he had played at school that day. The young people were getting on well together when Gertrude entered the dining-room, followed by her mother.

"Oh, do you think there is really a chance?" asked Mrs. Morton, when Frank and Andy had been introduced, and the elder lad had explained his project.

"I am pretty sure," he answered. "If you will let me see the bonds I will write my father about them."

The securities which Mrs. Morton brought out, explaining that she had excused herself from the professor for a time, proved to be in a well-known industrial concern that, while it manufactured a good product, yet had been in hard luck of late.

"I believe those will prove valuable sooner or later," said Frank. "I'll write to father at once. Meanwhile you might tell Professor Callum that he will soon get his money."

"Oh, I am so glad!" she exclaimed gratefully. "I cannot thank you enough." She hurried back into the room, whence soon came the protesting voice of the crabbed instructor. Mrs. Morton could be heard reassuring him. The young people were gaily talking.

Suddenly the door of the parlor opened and the professor came out, followed by Gertrude's mother.

"It is of no use!" the man exclaimed. "I will take no more promises. I came here to-night determined to get the money, and I will have it. Unless it is paid shortly I shall take means to levy on this property and have it sold at auction to satisfy my claim. You said you have been told that the bonds are good. But why don't you tell me who says this? Why are you so secretive about it?"

Frank had thought it best not to have Mrs. Morton mention his father's name in the matter as yet.

"Why don't you tell me who says the bonds are good?" demanded Mr. Callum.

"I am not allowed to—just yet."

"Humph! I thought so. It's all bosh. I——"

Just then the angry professor caught sight of Frank and Andy. The expression of his face, when he saw two of his students whom he supposed safe in their dormitories, now several miles away, can well be imagined. His jaw dropped and his eyes opened wide.

"What! You—you here?" he gasped. "How dare you?"

"I don't see why we dare not call on our friends," said Frank coolly.

"You dare to leave the school grounds after hours!" stormed the professor. "You shall be severely punished for this! I have been suspecting you Racer boys for some time, and now I have caught you. You shall suffer for this. Where's my hat? I am going back to Riverview at once to report you!"

He strode out of the room, while Frank and Andy gazed blankly at each other.

CHAPTER XI

BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT

The door slammed behind Professor Callum. It seemed to break the spell of silence that hung over all.

"Oh, what a mean man!" exclaimed Grace Knox.

"Isn't it a shame!" echoed Gertrude.

"I'm so sorry on account of you boys," spoke Mrs. Morton. "It was fine of you to come to offer help, but you never thought of being caught, I dare say."

"Oh, yes we did," spoke Frank. "We always take that chance when we run the guard. But it doesn't matter."

"What will he do to you?" Mrs. Morton wanted to know.

"Oh, make us do a lot of lines in Latin prose," answered Andy.

"Then you won't be expelled?" asked Grace.

"No danger of that," laughed Frank. "They need all the students they can get at Riverview. But I wouldn't like dad and mother to hear that we were reported, especially when it isn't for anything very wrong."

"If you could only get back to the school before he does, you might be in your rooms, and he would hardly know whether he saw you here or not," said Miss Gertrude with a mischievous smile.

"But they can't," said her mother. "Mr. Callum will catch the next trolley, and there isn't another for an hour."

There was an apprehensive silence. Then Grace Knox cried:

"I have it! The very thing! If you got in ahead of him, could you get to your rooms quietly?" she asked.

"I guess we could manage it," declared Frank with a look at his brother.

"Then here is my plan. You can't hope to get in ahead of him on the trolley, but you can in an auto."

"Where can we get an auto?" asked Frank eagerly.

"My brother has one. It's speedy, and in good running order. I'll telephone and have him bring it over here and he can run you to Riverview in a few minutes. Then——"

"Leave the rest to us," said Andy with a chuckle.

The home of Miss Knox was not far from the Morton house, and Grace's brother Will was soon on hand with the car. He laughed when the need of haste was explained to him, for there had been no time in summoning him by telephone to tell why he was wanted.

"It'll be a good joke," he said. "I wish I was at school again."

"We're a thousand times obliged to you," said Frank, as they started off after saying good-bye to the girls, and after Frank had renewed his promise about the bonds.

It was a quick run to the school, and the boys asked Will Knox to stop the car a short distance from their dormitory so that no one would hear the noise of the engine.

"Think you can get in?" he asked, as he prepared to turn back.

"Sure," whispered Frank, as he and his brother moved forward in the darkness. It was comparatively an easy matter to effect an entrance to the dormitory. Like many other things about the school, the door locks were broken, so the lads had no difficulty in swinging back a side portal. Then, removing their shoes, they went softly to their rooms.

"Thorny isn't back yet or we'd hear a commotion," was Frank's opinion, with which Andy agreed.

They lost no time in undressing and getting into bed. Then they waited the arrival of the crabbed teacher, which they felt could not be long delayed.

They were just beginning to get drowsy, in spite of the excitement of the evening, when they heard voices and steps in the corridor of the lower story.

"There he is!" exclaimed Andy.

"Sure. Keep quiet," advised Frank.

"I tell you they are out!" they heard Mr. Callum saying. "I saw them over in Dailsburg not an hour ago. It is impossible for them to have returned. I caught the first car back."

"But I hardly understand how they could have been out," answered a voice which the boys recognized as that of Professor Dickson. "I have heard no one enter or leave the building since the hour struck."

"Humph! You don't know those boys," said the crabbed instructor sneeringly. "We will go to their room, and find it vacant."

"Wait and see," murmured Frank.

The footsteps approached their apartment. The boys could hardly keep from laughing, but somehow they managed it. So confident was Mr. Callum of finding our heroes out that he did not knock, but entered at once. Frank had been careful to leave the door unlocked.

"Now we shall see!" exclaimed Mr. Callum in triumph, as he lighted the gas. "I will go at once and report to Dr. Doolittle that——"

He stopped in confusion, for looking at him from their respective pillows were the boys he had thought in Dailsburg.

"What—how come you—what are you doing here?" stammered the surprised professor.

"Why, this is our room," spoke Frank innocently. "We always sleep here, Mr. Callum. Did you want us?"

"Want you? You—you—What were you doing in Dailsburg this evening?" he almost shouted.

"Were we in Dailsburg to-night?" asked Frank innocently of his brother.

"Hum!" mused the younger lad, as if trying to remember. "Perhaps we may have been."

"Enough of this nonsense!" exclaimed the professor. "I know that you were, and you shall be punished for it. Professor Dickson, remain here on guard, and I will go summon Dr. Doolittle."

"Oh, will it not keep until morning?" the mathematical instructor wanted to know.

"Not with such boys as we have to deal with," was the snarling answer. "I want them punished." Probably it was as much because of their interference in the professor's money matters, as because of their breach of the rules that the lads were to suffer.

"And you say you met them in Dailsburg, and yet found them in bed when you arrived?" our heroes presently heard the voice of Dr. Doolittle asking, as he accompanied Mr. Callum along the hall.

"That is correct, sir."

"Might you not possibly be mistaken?"

"In regard to what?"

"Why, Professor Callum, you might not have seen the Racer boys in Dailsburg."

"Humph! I am sure I did. You might as well say they are not in their beds at this moment."

The venerable head of the school entered the apartment of Frank and Andy. Mr. Callum with a look of triumph on his face followed.

"Has the physician seen them?" asked Dr. Doolittle vaguely, reaching for Andy's pulse. "Are you in much pain now, my boy?"

"Pain?" gasped Andy.

"Oh, I beg your pardon. It is my absent-mindedness I'm afraid," explained the master. "I thought I had been called to see you because you were ill. I remember now. It was because—really, Professor Callum, I'm afraid I shall have to ask you to tell me why you summoned me. I have forgotten."

"It was because these boys were out after hours without permission!" exclaimed the irate instructor.

"Is this true, boys?" asked the doctor a bit sternly. He never doubted the word of a student.

"Yes, it's true," said Frank. "We had very important business in Dailsburg, and——"

"Well, as long as you found them in when you returned, and as long as Professor Dickson, who, I understand, had your place as in charge of the dormitories, did not see any breach of the rules, I think we will overlook it this time," said the doctor kindly. "I have another matter, about which——"

"But I can't understand how they got here!" exclaimed Mr. Callum.

"Perhaps it was all an optical illusion," suggested Professor Dickson.

"Sir! Do you wish me to disbelieve the evidence of my own eyesight?" demanded Mr. Callum pompously.

"No, of course not," answered the doctor, rubbing his thin white hands vigorously. "But we will regard the case as settled. Go to sleep, boys. It is late. And, professors, perhaps a happier day is dawning for old Riverview. My friend, Mr. Lairman, the millionaire, is going all over the grounds with me to-morrow and he will then give his decision about investing in a half interest. I am sure he will, and then we will see great improvements here. Come to my room and we will discuss them."

"But——" protested Mr. Callum.

"Oh, let the boys alone," urged Professor Dickson. "I think they played a right smart trick, and I'd like to know how it was done."

"I'll find out!" exclaimed Mr. Callum vindictively. "I will not let this rest here."

Their voices trailed off in an indistinct murmur, and Frank and Andy, chuckling over the success of their plan, fell asleep.

All over the school the next morning it was rumored that the millionaire was "sizing things up." The boys saw him being escorted over the unkempt campus, out on the neglected diamond and gridiron, about through the buildings sadly in need of repair, and toward the ruined boathouse.

"Say, I hope he sets aside a fund for a shell the first thing he does!" exclaimed Frank.

"Yes, and he ought to endow a football team. We'd be right in it then!" declared Austin Vedder.

"And have the diamond put in shape ready for next season," added Sam Shull.

"Oh, it's great to be a millionaire!" declared Jack.

It is doubtful if many lessons were well recited that day, as so much interest was taken in the visit of the rich man. He was escorted about by Dr. Doolittle, who seemed to think that the troubles of Riverview were about over. The visitor was entertained by the doctor that evening, leaving at a late hour.

But there was a rude awakening the next day. Professor Callum presided at chapel in place of the venerable doctor.

"I regret to say," spoke the unpopular teacher, "that Dr. Doolittle is not well this morning. He has had a great disappointment. I presume some of you have heard of the prospects for an endowment of this school. Those hopes are at an end. The gentleman concluded not to invest."

That was all that was said, but it was enough.

"Good-bye to our diamond," murmured one lad.

"No football this year," added another.

"I guess we'll have no crew," came from Frank.

"Silence!" exclaimed Professor Callum. "You will go to your classes."

And the boys, with lagging feet and with sorrowful faces, went. Their hopes had been raised only to be dashed to the ground. Old Riverview Hall looked more seedy and gone to ruin than before.

CHAPTER XII

THE OLD SHELL

"Say, isn't it tough luck?"

"It sure is."

"And just after we thought things were going so nicely."

"Old Thorny seems glad of it."

"That's because he doesn't take any interest in sport."

"But Dr. Doolittle is pretty well broken up."

"Sure thing. It's hard for him."

The above conversation was going on among a group of Riverview Hall students several days after the events narrated in the last chapter. In fact following the disappointing visit of the millionaire little else had been talked about. Our two heroes and their chums were in the group.

"I heard," remarked Jack Sanderson, "that the reason Mr. Lairman backed down was because the school was so slow."

"Slow? How do you mean?" asked Frank Racer.

"I mean in regard to athletics. He wasn't so much impressed by the buildings being out of condition and all that, but I hear that when he saw the diamond all overgrown with weeds, and the gridiron all but invisible, and the boathouse a wreck, he threw up the sponge."

"I don't blame him," remarked Andy. "It's partly our fault. We fellows ought to do something."

"But what can we do?" asked Ward Platt. "We can't start a football eleven without some money, and I know I can't put up much cash."

"We don't need much," insisted Andy. "We ought to be able to get up some sort of a crew or eleven and challenge Waterside Hall or Milton Academy."

"What! Challenge those fellows?" cried several.

"Yes, why not?" Frank wanted to know, with an air of quiet determination.

"They'd only laugh at us," was Jack's opinion.

"Let 'em laugh then," said Andy. "We can stand it if they can. Say, you fellows may be used to this sort of thing," and he waved his hand around the diamond, over which they were walking, "but my brother and I are not. We're used to doing things; eh, Frank?"

"That's what. And we'll do 'em now. If there was only some way we could get up a contest. Isn't there an old football around here?"

"I have one," said Ward, "but it's a little warm to even practice to-day. It's better suited to rowing."

"Can't row when you haven't a shell," said Frank. "Get the ball, and we'll have a little fun anyhow."

Soon afterward twenty-two lads, who had donned old clothes, for there was not a football suit in the whole school, were kicking an old ball about, falling on it, running with it, and doing their best to play a regulation game. It was hard, as few save Frank, Andy and their two chums knew the rules, but they soon warmed up and were very much in earnest.

"Bless my soul!" exclaimed Dr. Doolittle a short time after this, as he was crossing the campus with Professor Callum. "What are the boys doing?"

"Playing football it seems," answered the crabbed instructor with a sarcastic laugh. "They might better be at their studies."

"Oh, boys must play," said the good doctor with a sigh. "But I did not know they had an eleven. It is almost—like old times."

"It isn't a regular team," explained the professor. "I fancy it is some of the doings of those Racer boys."

"The more credit to them. They are manly chaps. I am sorry they were ill the other night."

"Ill!" exclaimed Mr. Callum. "They were——"

"Oh, yes, I remember now. You told me they were out after hours without permission. I can't understand it—can't understand it," and the doctor walked on, slowly nodding his head and thinking of many things, chief among which was where he could raise the money to pay many pending bills.

"That's the best fun we've had in a long time!" panted Jack, when the impromptu game was over.

"Yes, let's have it again to-morrow," added a well-built lad who had been playing center.

"I'm glad you Racer boys came here. You're waking us up," was a third comment.

"Wait; we haven't begun yet," said Frank with a laugh. "Have we, Andy?"

"That's right. I have a whole barrel of jokes yet that I haven't unpacked. Wait a bit."

"Better go slow on the jokes," warned his brother when they were alone. "Old Thorny is just waiting for another chance at us, and when it comes, as it's almost sure to, we won't get off so easy."

"Oh, don't borrow trouble," advised Andy with a laugh.

"I wish we could borrow a shell, or some kind of a boat to race in," went on Frank. "Come on down to the river. Bill Spalter isn't using his boat, and we'll have a little row. We will have time just before supper."

"I'm with you. Go ahead."

They went down the river about a mile and rowed back at such speed as "the tub" was limited to.

"It's a pity there aren't any more boats around here," Frank remarked to Bill, as they tied up his craft. "What became of the racing shells they used to have when this school was in its prime?"

"Racing shells!" exclaimed Bill with a laugh. "They don't last many seasons. But I think there's an old one around here somewhere."

"There is?" cried Frank eagerly.

"Where is it?" demanded Andy.

"Well, the last I seen of it she was over in the old barn, up overhead on some beams. I don't believe it's any good, though. It's a four-oared one, and was quite fast in its day."

"Let's go have a look at it," suggested Frank.

"Come on, Andy. We've got time."

"It's too dark," objected his brother.

"Here's a lantern," suggested Bill. "I'd be glad to see some life about this place. Maybe they'd raise my wages then. The shell is in the big barn, not the little one."

Very eager over the unexpected news they had heard, Frank and Andy hurried on, swinging the lighted lantern.

"What's up?" a voice hailed them.

"They're two Diogenes chaps looking for a dishonest man," said another.

"There's Jack and Ward," said Andy. "Shall we tell 'em?"

"Sure." Thereupon the two chums were let into the secret.

"I'm afraid a shell that's been in the barn several years isn't much good," was Jack's opinion.

"Maybe we can fix it up," said Ward, more hopefully.

The boys found the shell covered with dust, hayseed and odds and ends of refuse. Eagerly they flashed the light of the lantern upon its slender outlines.

"It was a beaut in it's day," was Frank's opinion.

"Yes, and I think we can patch it up and use it," declared Andy, who knew almost as much about boats as did his brother. "We'll have a shell yet."

"Do you really think you can?" inquired Jack, eagerly.

"It's worth trying," said Frank, after another critical inspection. "I wish we had it on the ground and it was daylight, I think——"

"Cheese it!" Andy interrupted him. "Someone is coming along the path."

"It's old Thorny," said Ward, after a look out of an upper window.

"By Jove! Just my luck!" exclaimed Andy in a whisper.

"What's the matter?" Ward inquired.

"I've just thought of a dandy trick to play on him. Will you fellows help?"

"Another trick!" half groaned Frank, who knew his brother's failing.

"Are you game?" demanded Andy of the two new chums.

"Sure," said Jack.

"Lead on," came from Ward.

"Then draw hither and list, my brave comrades," whispered the younger Racer lad as they gathered about the lantern.

CHAPTER XIII

THE DISCOVERY

"What are you going to do?" demanded Frank. "Nothing that we can get caught at, I hope."

"Nixy," replied Andy. "You see, he's coming this way, and he's all togged up—even to his tall hat."

"Maybe he's going calling," suggested Jack.

"He won't, after we get through with him," went on the younger brother. "I saw a basket full of chaff and bran over there in the corner. Now what I'm going to do is to put it on the edge of this low door through which they used to take in the hay. Just when Old Thorny gets under it that basket will fall, and——"

"You mean it will be pushed—it won't fall," suggested Ward.

"Well, what's the difference?" asked Andy, "as long as the chaff goes all over Thorny?"

"I suppose we'll have to do it," spoke Frank with a sigh. "But we haven't much time. He's nearly here."

"Time enough," came from Andy. "He's walking slowly. I guess he's thinking up some new kind of torture to inflict on us. This bran and chaff won't hurt him, but it will be mighty inconvenient, sifting down inside his clothes."

It did not take the lads in the old barn loft very long to bring the basket of chaff from the obscure corner where Andy's sharp eyes had seen it. It was poised on the edge of the open doorway beneath which the unpopular professor would soon pass. It was now quite dark in the loft, the lantern not giving much illumination, but this exactly suited the boys, as they did not want to be detected.

"All ready," said Andy, when the basket had been put in place. "Where is he?"

"Look out and see," advised Frank. "It's your joke."

"No, you look," urged Andy. "I'm going to do most of the work, anyhow. I'm going to push the basket."

"I'll take a peep," volunteered Jack. "He can't see us, I guess."

He peered out of the low hay door, and a moment later drew in his head quickly.

"He's standing still," the spy reported, "and he seems to be studying the stars."

"Gee! I hope he doesn't turn back," exclaimed Andy. "Look out, Ward. You'll have me in the basket in a moment." Ward had changed his position, and had jostled up against Andy.

"There I go!" exclaimed the younger lad a moment later as he lost his balance and fell forward. His hands went into the basket of chaff up to his elbows and there was a struggle before he recovered himself.

"Cheese it, you fellows, or he'll hear you!" hoarsely whispered Frank. "Here he comes!" he added a moment later after a quick observation. "Get ready to tip it, Andy!"

The younger lad, who was vigorously brushing the chaff and bran from his clothes, moved a little nearer the door. Then, by leaning out; he had a glimpse of Mr. Callum. The instructor was just then immediately beneath the opening. The new moon, for it was now quite dark, glistened on his shiny silk hat and Andy could see that Mr. Callum had on his best clothes.

An instant later the basket of dry and dusty chaff and bran went toppling out, and fell like a miniature snow storm all about the teacher. In a moment he was covered from head to foot with the stuff, while the basket itself, turning upside down, was inverted over his head, silk hat and all.

"Oh wow!" exclaimed Andy in a whisper. "It worked like a charm. Listen to him!"

From below came a confusion of sounds.

"Help! Thieves! I'm attacked! Help! What has happened? The barn has toppled over!"

"His hat is smashed!" exulted Andy.

"Come on!" suddenly exclaimed Frank. "We've got to get out of here or he'll be up."

Indeed it was high time, for Professor Callum, after the first shock, was beginning to reason out certain things. Baskets of chaff did not fall from the hay windows of deserted barns without some human agency, he reflected.

"Who did that? Who is up there?" he demanded, gazing upward as well as his eyes, smarting from the chaff, would let him. "I insist on knowing."

"It's us for the tall timber," said Andy in a whisper. "Douse the glim and go down the rear ladder."

In an instant the loft was in darkness and the boys were cautiously stealing down. Fortunately there were two ways of descending, which fact the wily Andy had taken note of before perpetrating his joke. Otherwise the plotters would have been caught, for when they were half way down the rear ladder, they heard the irate professor mounting by the front stairs. He was muttering indignantly:

"This is an outrage! I know it was some of those rascally students! If I can only catch them I'll have them expelled! It's outrageous!"

"Hurry up!" whispered Jack, who was in the rear of the retreating procession.

"Keep quiet!" whispered back Andy. "He's got sharp ears."

"Who is there?" suddenly demanded the professor. He had evidently heard the voices, cautious though they were.

The boys at once stood still. Not a sound was audible in the old barn for perhaps half a minute. Then the instructor advanced and under cover of the noise he made the lads completed their retreat. They were soon speeding back to the school in the darkness and a little later they were at supper where they talked of many things, including the discovery of the old shell.

"Oh, you fellows can never get that in shape," said Burnam Foster, one of the seniors. "They had that on the water before I came here, and that's four years ago. It will leak like a sieve."

"We can calk it," declared Frank, and the enthusiastic talk went on. Opinion was divided. Some thought that it was possible to get the shell in shape, but the great majority declared that it was useless to try.

"Nothing ever happens for any good at Riverview," declared one lad. "The school has the dry rot."

"It did have," remarked Jack Sanderson significantly, "but we've found some sound wood that we're grafting on," and he motioned to Frank and Andy, who, at that moment, were telling one of their chums about the joke on Mr. Callum.

"And where did you leave him?" Frank was asked.

"Up in the barn, hunting for us. Has any one seen him since?"

"I just saw him going to his room," answered the lad who was late to supper. "He looked as if he'd been run over by an automobile on a dusty road."

"That's him all right," asserted Andy. "But come on, Frank, I want to get off these old togs," for the lads were still in the clothes they had used at the football game.

The two brothers were walking along the corridor leading to their rooms when they were surprised to see some one coming from their apartment.

"Who's that?" whispered Andy. There was no need for his brother to answer, for a moment later they saw that it was Mr. Callum. He was a sorry-looking object, though he had succeeded in getting rid of most of the chaff. At the sight of our heroes he stopped short and stared at them.

"I'm going to laugh!" exclaimed Andy in a whisper.

"Don't you dare!" cautioned Frank. "Sneeze. Sneeze, I tell you!"

Andy pulled out his handkerchief with a flourish and applied it to his face preparatory to uttering a loud "A-ker-choo!" But there was no need to imitate a sneeze, for instantly the air was filled with a white cloud of dust which, getting up the noses of the two boys, as well as that of the professor, caused a chorus of exclamations.

And then, on the floor at Andy's feet appeared a neat little pile of chaff and bran. It had sifted out of his pocket on the removal of the handkerchief, having gotten in when he fell into the basket.

For a moment Mr. Callum stared at the bit of mute evidence. Then he glanced at his damaged hat and his whitened clothes. He darted a look full of anger at the Racer boys and said:

"Come with me to Dr. Doolittle! Come at once!"

There was no choice but to obey, and Frank and Andy followed down the corridor.

CHAPTER XIV

OUT IN THE SHELL

"Guess we're caught all right," whispered Frank to his brother. "Why didn't you take that stuff out of your pocket?"

"I didn't know it was in there. I don't care. We had to have some fun; didn't we?"

"There's your idea of it, Andy. You're always doing something. I wish I hadn't consented to it. But we're in for it now."

"Well, we won't squeal on the other fellows. We'll take our medicine alone," said Andy grimly.

"Of course," replied the older lad.

By this time they were at the study of Dr. Doolittle. A soft light was burning in the room, but the head of the school was not there. His place was taken by his secretary.

"I would like to see Dr. Doolittle on very important business—very important," said Mr. Callum pompously. "It is an outrageous piece of vandalism that I have to report."

"I am very sorry," said Mr. Paterson, the secretary, quietly, "but Dr. Doolittle does not wish to be disturbed. He is not feeling well."

"I demand to see him! I want these two boys expelled at once," said the instructor. "They have insulted me, damaged my clothing and spoiled a new hat. I want them expelled."

"Dr. Doolittle does not want to be disturbed," repeated Mr. Paterson. "The recent disappointment about not getting more capital for the school has told heavily on him, Professor Callum."

"I know, but that does not affect this case. He must take some notice of it, and act at once on my complaint. These boys can not remain in the school another day. Either they leave or I do!" and he shook an accusing finger at the brothers.

"I will take a note of what you wish to say," went on the secretary, who, in spite of his youth, did not seem to fear the irate professor. "I will give it to Dr. Doolittle in the morning."

"I want to see him now."

"He is not to be disturbed," was the quiet answer. "Will you give me the facts?"

It was only after much grumbling that Mr. Callum reduced his complaint to writing. He told of the upsetting of the basket of chaff on his head, and how he had discovered the tell-tale evidence in Andy's pocket. He ended by making another demand for their dismissal. Evidently he did not suspect any other lads of having had a hand in the joke.

"Very well," said the secretary, "I will give this to Dr. Doolittle in the morning. Have you boys anything to say?"

"I—we—that is I—" began Andy stumblingly.

"We have nothing to say now," interrupted Frank quickly, while the professor glared at them.

"Then Dr. Doolittle will send for you when he wants you. That is all now."

Still muttering threats against our heroes the professor withdrew, and the lads slowly followed.

"What was your idea in not saying anything?" asked Andy of his brother as they once more went toward their rooms.

"Why, don't you see? Poor Doc is off his feed. He's all knocked out on account of this disappointment, and he doesn't care whether school keeps or not. He won't pay any attention to Old Thorny's complaint and we'll get out of it. Not that I'm anxious on that account, for I don't believe he'd punish us much. But there's no use running your head into danger that you can keep out of. You'll see, that complaint will go under a mass of papers on the doctor's desk, and I doubt if he'll ever see it. The secretary's talk about him not feeling well gave me the tip."

"Good for you! But old Thorny won't let it drop."

"I don't suppose he will. But what can he do if the Doc won't pay any attention to him? Take it from me Doc doesn't like Callum any more than we do and he knows we fellows are down on him. If Doc wants his school to be popular he'd better drop old Thorny."

"But even if Dr. Doolittle doesn't take any notice of the complaint and punish us, old Thorny will have it in for us in class."

"He has anyhow, so it won't be anything new. All we've got to do is not to give him any more chances at us than possible. I wish this hadn't happened, but since it has we'll make the best of it."

"It was you fellows' fault for shoving me into the basket of chaff," declared Andy with an injured tone. "Otherwise none of it would have gotten into my pocket and he wouldn't have suspected."

"Oh, well, what's the use of kicking? That's the way with most of your jokes—there's a slip-up somewhere."

"Oh, you get out! If you played as many jokes as I do some of yours would slip up once in a while, you old skate!"

Andy aimed a playful punch at his brother which the latter dodged, and at once there was a friendly scuffle in the hall outside of their room.

"Here! Here! That will do! You boys are a disgrace to the school!" exclaimed a rasping voice and the sour face of Professor Callum glared at them. "Stop it at once, or I shall report you again."

"Say, isn't he the limit!" exclaimed Andy, as they went inside. "I'd like to do something else to him."

"Oh, for cats' sake—quit," begged his brother. "I'm going to study."

Then quiet reigned in the little room and the boys were more or less industrious over their books.

As Frank had predicted, Dr. Doolittle said nothing to them about the complaint. In fact he did not appear at chapel the next morning, and though Mr. Callum, who presided, glared at our heroes, and acted very much as if he would have liked to censure them before the whole school, it was an authority he dared not yet assume. But he took it out of them in class, however, where he called on them more frequently in Latin than on any of the other pupils. Fortunately Andy and Frank were well prepared in anticipation of this and did not fail.

"Humph! You are improving, considering the disgraceful manner in which you behave," said the teacher grimly, as he dismissed the class.

"That's all right. You didn't manage to keep us in," remarked Andy in a low voice to his brother as he glanced at the teacher.

"And we can get at the shell, and see if we can patch it up," said the elder brother. "Come on, Jack and Ward. Let's have a look at it by daylight."

It was rather a sorry-looking rowing craft that was taken down from the barn loft a little later. It needed many repairs. Some of the outriggers were bent and one was broken. But the boys were enthusiastic, especially Andy and Frank, and they managed to infuse some of their spirit into their companions.

"We can fix it!" declared Frank. "All it needs is a few patches, and to have the outriggers fixed. I wonder where the oars are?"

"There used to be some overhead in the boathouse," said Bill Spalter. "Maybe they're there yet."

"Only two that are any good," reported Jack, after an investigation. "We'll have to raise money for the others. And I'm broke."

"Same here," added Ward ruefully, "though my allowance is due in about three weeks."

"I fancy we have a few cents left," spoke Frank. "We haven't used up all our whale prize money yet," and they explained how they had secured the funds.

The next week was a busy one, for every moment they could spare from their lessons our heroes and their chums were busy working over the old shell. Two new oars had been purchased, Frank and Andy advancing the money, and they also supplied enough to purchase material for repairs.

"Well, we've got a crew at last," remarked Frank one night, when the four boys were gathered in the room of the Racer boys.

"But we don't know what kind it is," said Jack. "We ought to go for a trial spin."

"Yes, the shell is ready for the water now," spoke Andy. "How about a trial to-morrow afternoon, Frank?"

"I can't go then, but I can the next day. I have a date for to-morrow."

"Out at Dailsburg, I'll wager," exclaimed his brother.

"Yes, I've heard from dad about those bonds and he's going to try to sell them. I want to get them and send them on. But the next day will be time enough. I want to let Mrs. Morton know as soon as possible."

They talked of racing and other matters, of the prospect of a match with Waterside, and whether or not a football team could be organized with the raw material available. Then came the striking of the warning hour that marked the close of the time when visits might be paid.

"Time for us to skip, unless we want Thorny after us," said Jack. "Heard anything more about his kick on the chaff?"

"No, though he's been after Doc about it. You see he hasn't really any good evidence against me, and he knows it," said Andy. "Just because I had some chaff in my pocket doesn't say I did it."